VA - Near The Pond - Wild Geese (2025) [Hi-Res]

Near The Pond returns with Wild Geese, a mesmerizing blend of jazz, folk, and improvisation inspired by the poetry of 12th-century Japanese poet Saigyo. Following their critically acclaimed debut, the group--featuring Josefine Cronholm (vocals/percussion), Kirk Knuffke (cornet), Bent Clausen (vibraphone/drums), and Thommy Andersson (double bass/string arrangements)--continues its exploration of poetic language through music.

The project began when Cronholm discovered Saigyo's poetry in New York and was deeply moved by its themes of nature, time, and the human condition. Though none of the members speak Japanese, they found ten evocative English translations, setting them to music with their distinctive, immersive sound. Like their first album, which drew from the works of Carl Sandburg, Wild Geese bridges past and present, uniting voices from different centuries and cultures in a seamless, heartfelt expression.

The music blends Nordic minimalism with American folk influences, enriched by intuitive interplay between the musicians. The addition of Lena Fankhauser and Marta Potulska (viola) and Melissa Coleman (cello) enhances the album's depth, adding a chamber-like quality to its organic, atmospheric soundscapes. Near The Pond embraces improvisation, yet their music remains deeply lyrical, creating a sense of space where words and melodies breathe together.

With Wild Geese, Near The Pond once again finds beauty in simplicity. The album is a testament to the power of music to transcend time and place, carrying the voices of poets and musicians into new, unexpected realms.

Josefine Cronholm (vocals),
Kirk Knuffke (cornet),
Bent Clausen (vibraphone/drums),
Thommy Andersson (double bass).