1981 in Norwegian music

• 10 – The 8th Vossajazz started in Vossavangen, Norway (April 10 – 12).^[1]

• 20 – 9th Nattjazz started in Bergen, Norway (May 20 – June 3).^[2]

A

The Aller Værste!

• Disniland I De Tusen Hjem (Den Gode Hensikt)

G

Jan Garbarek

• Folk Songs (ECM Records), with Charlie Haden, and Egberto Gismonti
• Eventyr (ECM Records), with Nana Vasconcelos, Palle Danielsson, and John Abercrombie
• Nude Ants (ECM Records), with Keith Jarrett, Palle Danielsson, and Jon Christensen

K

Karin Krog

• I Remember You (Spotlite Records)

R

Terje Rypdal

• To Be Continued (ECM Records)

S

Thorgeir Stubø

• Notice (ECM Records)

Øystein Sunde

• Barkebille Boogie (Philips Records)

V

Jan Erik Vold

• Stein. Regn (PolyGram Records), with Kåre Virud and Telemark Blueslag

February

• 1 – Geirr Tveitt, composer and pianist (born 1908).^[3]

May

• 22 – Reimar Riefling, classical pianist, music teacher, and music critic (born 1898).^[4]