Daniel K Johansson: Follow The River

Swedish trombonist Daniel K. Johansson formed his quartet in 2022, bringing together four musicians who had already spent years collaborating in a variety of settings. That shared history is evident in their cohesion on Follow The River, their first release of Johansson's compositions and arrangements.

Alongside Johansson are drummer Mattias Puttonen , bassist Robert Erlandsson and guitarist Fredrik Olsson. Their sound sits comfortably within a contemporary swing framework, grounded in the straight-ahead traditions of the 1950s and '60s, with influences from Nordic folk adding subtle color.

The album opens with Johansson's relaxed phrasing on "Little Shark," a gently swinging tune with a distinct vintage charm. Olsson's guitar echoes the trombone melody before the track unfolds into solos from the trombone, guitar and bass, its unhurried, relaxed style carrying considerable appeal

Driven by bustling drums over Erlandsson's solid bass, the title track takes a different approach with a tight Latin arrangement. The overall effect is uplifting as Olsson adds a fine solo and Puttonen delivers a spirited drum break to lift the track to a higher level.

Johansson plays from the heart and offers a softer, more expressive approach than many. This comes into focus on the slower "By The Shores"; his folk-like melody is delivered with warmth and restraint, combining elegantly with Erlandsson. He also shows his expertise on the ballad "Little Shoes," this time using a flugabone (which is pretty much as it sounds, a hybrid of a valve trombone and a flugelhorn), as he deftly intertwines with Olsson's guitar.

Olsson often proves key, offering flowing improvisations, played with precision, notably on the relaxed groove of "None Of Your Business" and on "Agreed," where he trades expansive written and improvised solos with Johansson before the two converge. Elsewhere, the album offers the vibrant "Major Misunderstanding" and concludes with the engaging "Floda Blues."

Throughout, Johansson maintains a reflective manner and his unruffled approach avoids any excessive vibrato in favor of clarity of expression. The result is an album with an airy, relaxed character from a quartet with an obvious rapport who bring out the best from a pleasing variety of compositions. An assured, accessible and appealing release that leaves the listener wanting more.