Erik Palmberg: First Lines

Straight-ahead jazz, with minimal modernism, is at the forefront of this dense and measurably paced recording. First Lines is the first record from veteran Swedish trumpeter Erik Palmberg as a leader. Joining him for the session are pianist Anton Dromberg, drummer Gustav Nahlin, and bassist Peder Waern.

This eleven-song creation features eight original tunes from Palmberg. These rich compositions are notably tempered and melodic. The arrangements enable four skillful and accomplished musicians to fuse together as an ensemble, as well as to stretch and shine individually.

First Lines opens with a stylish take on the Irving Berlin classic "How Deep Is The Ocean," which sets the tone and mood for what is to follow. Two soft and poignant originals, "Outgoing" and "Erlands Song," precede Palmberg's venturous and spirited "The Suspect." A fluid interpretation of Dizzy Gillespie's "Con Alma" nicely leads into Palmberg's warm "Blues News," the breezy "Days of Light," and the bright and inventive "Another Waltz." Palmberg meets the challenge of pianist Bill Evans' tender and melancholy "Turn Out The Stars" with grace and elegance. The pendulum swings back on Palmberg's original and high energy "Natural Rhythm," before closing with the hypnotic embrace of his "Sortie."

With strong accompaniment from Dromberg, Nahlin, and Waern, Erik Palmberg has expressed his own jazz sensibilities within the embodiment of vintage and quintessential jazz.