A fascinating thing about jazz is what can arise through force of circumstance rather than the result of planning. The drummer scheduled to appear in a trio with Jan Lundgren at the Ystad Sweden Jazz Festival had to cancel because of the pandemic, which forced Lundgren to rethink the gig. The pianist – who is also artistic director of the festival – quickly realised that things could also work without a drummer. Serendipitously, the name of Emile Parisien came to his mind… and a new trio was born. The three musicians had never played together in this configuration before; so, after a single day of rehearsals, the band took to the festival’s main stage on 1 August 2020.

Jan Lundgren is one of those pioneers who gave European jazz its distinct identity and freed it from American jazz. The Ystad- based pianist combines virtuosity, an acute sense of tonal colour, awareness of form from European classical music and his own folk music tradition. For him, to make music where many different genres coalesce is both inevitable and natural.

Lars Danielsson’s bass playing is unmistakably melodic and lyrical. He is one of just a handful of bassists who stand out both as creative composers and as distinguished band leaders. Technical brilliance, outstanding musical imagination and an almost telepathic understanding of his fellow musicians – his presence is ideal in this trio.

Soprano saxophonist Emile Parisien found his way into this band practically out of nowhere. The vivacious Frenchman lives jazz with body and soul and his honesty and authenticity ring true in every note he plays. Parisien is a visionary of jazz, aware of its legacy but always looking forward in an innovative way.

This unique performance leaves the listener begging for more. Having started this new venture so auspiciously, Jan, Lars and Emile are surely going to want to aim even higher.

Recorded live in concert by Mattias Dalin (Eurosound AB) at Ystad Sweden Jazz Festival, August 1, 2020. Mixed by Bo Savik, Jan Lundgren and Lars Danielsson at Tia Dia Studios, Mölnlycke, Sweden. Mastered by Bo Savik.