Emil Ingmar: Polaroids

This is the third album from Swedish pianist and composer Emil Ingmar and continues the melodic instrumental style that has defined his work. The album has more of a stripped-back feel than its predecessors, built around duo and trio performances with longtime collaborators Calle Rasmusson (drums) and Fredrik Jonsson (bass). Taking its inspiration from snapshots of everyday family life that Ingmar captured on an old Polaroid SX-70 instant camera, the album features 12 of his compositions.

Ingmar's gift for enveloping, bittersweet melodies is immediately apparent on the title track that opens the album. Jazz listeners may focus on the pianist's improvisational moments but may find the soft-rock-style drumming too predictable. Yet it is that rhythmic predictability that gives the track and the album as a whole its broad, easy appeal, and like many pieces here, it would translate perfectly to film and television soundtracks.

Many of the tunes draw on a song-led harmonic style, the kind of music you might hear behind a singer; this reaches a high point on the pianist's solo performance on "Long Days, Short Years," where it would be no surprise to hear Randy Newman's vocals joining in.

Rasmusson's drumming brings a constant sense of momentum to "June," which also features a sparkling guest appearance from saxophonist Jonas Knutsson. His expressive playing adds another dimension to the core trio's sound, evoking the light and openness of the Swedish summer. Knutsson returns on the cinematic "Polar," where his tone lends further atmosphere. Trombonist Markus Ahlberg also makes a memorable contribution, introducing processed textures on the slow-burning "Stone Skippers."

Jonsson's bass lines are impressive throughout, notably in duo format as he blends with Ingmar on "Bjurtjärn," the folk song-like melody, one of many highlights on the album. The brief but lovely "Home" also features the duo, blending instinctively on the lyrical melody. The trio adopts a far more contemporary Nordic style on "Birch Song," as their natural chemistry drives the interplay that explores yet another strong melody. The album closes with the re-introduction of the title track, which charms once more as it returns to the album's central theme of memory.

Whilst benefiting from polished studio production, the album never loses the warmth and intimacy of a live performance. The piano-led arrangements possess the immediacy of a small jazz club rather than a clinical studio recording. Sentimental and wistful without becoming overly nostalgic, the album works for active or passive listening, with each piece offering its own mood. Polaroids quietly captivates with gentle, relaxed and memorable melodies.