Bushman’s Revenge

Norwegian drummer Gard Nilssen (b. 1983) has performed in Finland with at least five different ensembles: for the first time in 2014 at Tampere Jazz Happening and most recently at the end of 2023 in Helsinki with both his own acoustic trio and with the 17-member Supersonic Orchestra. But for some reason, Nilssen’s by far the longest-running and most successful lineup has never been here. Bushman’s Revenge was born 21 years ago, and in that time, the group has released 11 albums, the latest being All The Better For Seeing You (2023).

Could it be because of ignorance or their demanding, perhaps even rejected style? 

With its electric guitar, bass and mighty drums, Bushman’s Revenge is not your ordinary jazz band, nor is it a rock band. It doesn’t fall for the traditional jazz rock or rock jazz with emphasis on skills either. Perhaps the power trio has its own style of progressive rock that results from playing their own versions of Black Sabbath, Ornette Coleman, Police and Sun Ran back-to-back. And the name of their album? Never Mind The Botox (2011) of course, which suits the band’s witty style.

Nevertheless, Bushman’s Revenge performs mainly new music of their own, and the group’s newest record has been composed entirely by their guitarist Even Helte Hermansen (b. 1982).  Perhaps that is why All The Better For Seeing You is more compact, restrained and controlled – or maybe the trio wanted to kick off their third decade of existence with a different, surprising twist. If so, they succeeded, as the opening track Halvannen Time – an hour and a half, more than enough makes you double check that you picked Bushman’s Revenge and not Bill Frisell. This bodes well for their first performance in Finland – or unwell, depending on what you are after.