A striking musical rapport between Norwegian trumpeter Arve Henriksen and Dutch pianist Harmen Fraanje is palpable in the duo’s quietly lyrical investigations on Touch of Time. These are delicate melodies and textures, flowing between two musicians, who care deeply for the nuances of tone-shadings and the detailed development of a musical idea. In both freely improvised forms and carefully wrought themes, their instruments connect gracefully, picking up and finishing each other’s phrases.

Touch of Time, recorded in January 2023 at the Auditorio Stelio Molo in Lugano, was produced by Manfred Eicher.

Arve Henriksen: trumpet, electronics

Harmen Fraanje: piano

“Another Fraanje tune, ‘What All This Is’, seems key to both men’s philosophies. The pianist is peaceable and calmly resolved, Henriksen sublimely reaching for wonder, both ending near suspended in cool waters…Touch of Time, meets ECM’s ethos at its best: a refined European soul.” – **** Jazzwise

“The music on “Touch of Time” feels beautifully natural and grounded with a true sense of collaboration.” – **** UK Vibe

“Deeply atmospheric and ruminative…The duo’s musical dialogues are beautifully intimate and lowkey throughout, conjuring visions of wintry landscapes and picturesque fjords.” – Record Collector

“This is a beautiful album that quietly weaves its magic over ten compositions that have much to say and do so in hushed tones. An album for those reflective moments when time stands still.” – Jazzviews

“Henriksen’s fragile ache of a tone sometimes aided by subtle use of electronics is as powerful as ever. Recorded in a Lugano studio produced once again by the master Manfred Eicher it’s a beautiful release, most of the pieces kept relatively brief, with a taut sense of explorations in the themes and a sense of conversation between these two great players.” – Marlbank