It’s just an inescapable fact – when folks around the world thinks of Swedish music, it will invoke legendary groups like ABBA and Roxette and mega-producer Max Martin before it gets around to realizing that a lot of the hippest jazz vibes these days are coming from Sweden.
For those longing for Euro-centric contemporary jazz that’s fresh, vibrant and immediately heartfelt and compelling, look no further than trumpeter Erik Palmberg’s dynamic quartet, which since dropping their 2021 album In Between has been earning critical accolades, waves of enthusiastic fans and a #1 ranking in the reader’s poll by the leading jazz publication Orkesterjournalen. Prior to forming the quarter, Palmberg released his 2018 debut First Lines which featured other musicians.
Of Faces, his upcoming album with his powerhouse quartet of Anton Dromberg (piano), Niklas Wennstrom (double bass) and Sebastian Voelger (drums), he says, “It’s all about expression and creating a musical environment where we all can shine, both individually and as a group.”
Palmberg notes that the new project reflects the intuitive, conversational energy that the musicians developed on their recent tour, which enabled them to more fully immerse in a realm of shared creative experiences and combined musical expression. On the lead single and title track “Faces,” this fascinating “road warrior” aesthetic comes to life from the first hypnotic traveling piano notes, plucky bass and locomotive percussive brushes.
Just as the groove is drawing our senses in, Palmberg asserts his strong but cool presence with his shimmering trumpet melody, which burns brightly as it eases into poppin’ improvisations, moments of soaring transcendence and witty, staccato stops and starts. Then Palmberg steps back for a spotlight on the gloriously eloquent and adventurous solo by Dromberg as the rhythm section heats up – on its way to an explosive, freewheeling jam session.
Throughout the song, the quartet’s fired up energy and the clickety clack of the groove makes the listener feel like they’ve boarded an all at once earthbound but skyward seeking train that continues to pick up steam. Leaving us excited and wanting more, “Faces” is the perfect introduction to Palmberg’s multi-faceted new album.
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