Jasper Somsen, Carsten Lindholm & Jan Gunnar Hoff - Northwest (2024) [Hi-Res]

When three seasoned and versatile musicians, who between them have performed with the “Who‘s Who” of jazz, decide to form a new trio, there are usually many reasons, but one is undoubtedly the pleasure of creating new music together. Another reason is communication as human beings and as musicians, challenging each other to open new doors and explore new avenues for their musical expressions, as well as sharing ideas, thus increasing their mutual improvisational power and transmitting their positive philosophy of life to the listener via deep and uplifting music. Norwegian pianist/composer Jan Gunnar Hoff, Dutch bass player/composer Jasper Somsen and Danish drummer/composer Carsten Lindholm made this step in 2023 and brought their individual voices together for some concerts that year.

Quickly it turned out that this was more than just three musicians performing together; the trio very quickly became an ensemble playing jazz with a bit of US jazz tradition mixed with a European classical sensibility; immediately their individual sounds became one voice. Even so, this is basically a piano trio rather than a piano-led trio, as all three musicians have equal voices in the musical process and contribute to the same degree with improvisations and compositions. This equality also shows when one of the musicians steps into the spotlight with a solo, as then the other two don’t lay off but carefully fill spaces, embellishing the solo with tasteful added colours and emotions. It is all about communication – the art of listening and reacting and so forcing each other deeper into the essence of the tune being performed.

For their debut recording, Hoff Somsen Lindholm wrote new compositions especially for this trio, then played them live at a few concerts before recording them. The music is based on an understanding of each other and, in the improvisational sections, shows an almost magical anticipation of what the other musicians are going to do next, so that even the freely improvised tunes sound coherent and together and melodic in a different, open way. The album starts with ‘Autumn Breeze’, a beautiful composition by Hoff, which is laid-back and soft, with a gorgeous little melody. This is followed by the sparkling ‘Beneath The Surface’ by Somsen, written as a tribute to pianist Enrico Pieranunzi, with the composer displaying his wonderful abilities on his instrument, supported by Hoff and Lindholm to enhance the solo. Lindholm’s delicate but groovy ‘First Light’ is another melodic gem with a captivating buildup. This is followed by another of Hoff’s compositions, ‘One Last Chance’, which showcases musical story-telling at its best and has an almost classical feel to it. ‘So Long’ by Somsen follows this lyrical beauty and is a touching ballad, expressing the sadness of farewell, but with an undertone of positivity looking forward. ‘Free Flight I’ and Free Flight II’ are two short and intense trio improvisations, captivating when following the communication between the artists. Despite the open improvisations, they still offer beautiful and melodic content at its core. The album ends with a groovy little piece called ‘Coming Home’, credited to all three musicians, conceived as a tribute to the group Yellowjackets and loosely based on their famous song ‘Homecoming’.

This new jazz trio is a welcome addition to an already rich European jazz scene and will soon find followers around the globe. After hearing their debut album, I can already say that I am a fan!