Daniel Sommer / Arve Henriksen / Johannes Lundberg: Sounds & Sequences

Danish drummer Daniel Sommer's Sounds & Sequences is the second part of his Nordic Trilogy, a captivating project that aims to explore the breadth and depth of Nordic improvisation across three distinct ensembles. This follow-up to As Time Passes continues Sommer's commitment to presenting different facets of Nordic music, while avoiding any repetition of sound or structure from the first installment. In this chapter, he's joined by Swedish bassist Johannes Lundberg and Norwegian trumpeter Arve Henriksen, and together they craft a delicate and atmospheric musical landscape.

The idea behind Sounds & Sequences was to create a space where improvisation and composition could naturally merge, an open environment for musicians to develop soundscapes rather than predefined pieces. The trio spent several sessions at Studio Epidemin in Gothenburg, where they focused on intuitive, free-flowing improvisations. According to Sommer, the process was organic: "We simply improvised, listened, discussed, and improvised again until something emerged." This spontaneous approach lends the album a certain unpredictability and rawness, which feels intentional and reflective of the ensemble's chemistry.

While As Time Passes (April Records, 2024) highlighted a collaboration with British guitarist Rob Luft and Norwegian bassist Arild Andersen, Sounds & Sequences explores a different mood altogether. There's a clear focus on blending electronic elements with acoustic instruments, where Henriksen's trumpet, Lundberg's upright bass, and Sommer's drumming come together to explore vulnerability and sonic texture. The pieces are full of contrast—moments of quiet fragility interrupted by bursts of distortion, ambient swells, and deep, cavernous reverb.

The result is a captivating blend of chamber music, spiritual jazz, and ambient sounds. Tracks like "Vejen til Epidemin" and the title track stand out for their evolving narratives, while pieces like "Ego Ekko" and "Beautiful Daisy" showcase the trio's ability to traverse between delicate, ethereal soundscapes and forceful, rhythmic intensity. Henriksen's trumpet melodies, coupled with Sommer's textural drumming and Lundberg's versatile bass work, drive the trio's interplay, which is further enhanced by a rich layer of electronic effects.

Henriksen's trumpet work is a centerpiece of the album, and his performance on Sounds & Sequences highlights his ability to navigate between melody and abstraction. Known for his ethereal, almost vocal-like trumpet sound, Henriksen introduces a sense of spirituality into the music. His contributions to this record are marked by lamenting, spacious melodies that echo through the electronic textures and resonant basslines, enhancing the overarching mood of melancholy and contemplation. At times, Henriksen's trumpet seems to float above the music, guiding it with subtlety and precision.

Johannes Lundberg, on upright bass, brings a deep, grounding presence to the trio. His use of harmonics and bowed techniques adds a layer of complexity and depth to the music, often blending seamlessly with the electronic effects that decorate the album. His basslines, though understated, are the foundation upon which the more experimental elements build, offering a dynamic balance between the acoustic and electronic realms.

Sommer's role as both drummer and producer is integral to the success of Sounds & Sequences.. His drumming is textural rather than rhythmic, often functioning as a sound element in its own right. His use of unconventional techniques and effects allows him to shift between traditional drumming and creating soundscapes that enhance the trio's explorative spirit. Sommer's production, too, is key in shaping the album's aesthetic—at times spacious and minimal, at other times dense with screeching distortion and digital manipulation.

The album stands out not just for its exploration of sound, but for its narrative cohesion. Despite being largely improvised, Sounds & Sequences feels like a carefully constructed journey, one that takes the listener through a wide range of emotional and sonic territories. The trio's ability to interact so intuitively, creating space for each other while weaving together complex ideas is what makes this project truly engaging.

Ultimately, Sounds & Sequences represents a powerful continuation of Sommer's Nordic Trilogy. It's a nuanced exploration of improvisation, electronics, and acoustic elements, but more importantly, it's a testament to the versatility and fluidity of modern jazz. With Arve Henriksen's haunting trumpet melodies, Johannes Lundberg's resonant bass, and Sommer's innovative drumming, this album captures a moment in Nordic music that feels both contemporary and timeless.

Comments