Thomas Albæk Jakobsen's Flux: Voyager

Flux is a project from Danish drummer and composer Thomas Albaek Jakobsen. In 2013, he released the album Relations. Voyager is the follow-up and as the name implies, it is an adventurous album that explores many moods, but the tone is predominantly lyrical.

An important addition to the group is the experienced pianist Soren Moller. Besides his own albums as a leader, Møller has played in a duo with saxophonist Dick Oatts and in the Scan-Am Quartet with drummer Jason Marsalis.

Møller's melodic sophistication is immediately on display on the opener "Spirit Soul." His varied accompaniment helps propel the catchy composition while saxophonist Ole Visby sings the melody.

Guitarist Michael Møller Porsborg's playing is somewhat reminiscent of the dwelling chords of Jakob Bro, but he also moves into twang territory on "Departure" and "Bricks." On the latter, Møller switches successfully to Fender Rhodes and Albæk Jakobsen's subtle use of electronics and delayed drum patterns bring extra atmosphere to the piece. Bassist Kenneth Dahl Knudsen is the safe anchor throughout the album. He is not afraid of space and pauses, but also establishes solid grooves.

Albæk Jakobsen wanted to create a musical journey with the album and he has succeeded. The pieces gradually develop a narrative where melody is just as important as texture. It is between the clear rhythmic patterns and clear melody of "Spirit Soul" and the searching soundscape of "Long Johns" that Voyager finds its own expression based on accessible immediacy and meditative beauty.

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