ERIK PALMBERG

FACES

Prophone Naxos

Erik Palmberg, trumpet/flugelhorn/composer; Anton Dromberg, piano; Niklas Wennström, double bass, Sebastian Voegler, drums.

Swedish trumpeter, Erik Palmberg, has released a new CD titled “Faces” that has already garnered this year’s number one jazz album position in Sweden’s leading jazz publication called,  “Orkesterjournalen.”  After returning home from their concert tours, where they were promoting their last successful album release called “In between,” Palmberg’s group entered the studio.

The quartet has been a unit since 2018.  This latest release exhibits their tight musical rapport. It discloses the artistic ability of each individual player, as well as their group closeness. Their unified talents radiate from the group arrangements on these new, original compositions.

The title tune opens this album, played at a medium tempo with a contemporary jazz flair and a surprising melodic laugh line from the Woody Woodpecker cartoon repeated on a couple of occasions by Erik Palmberg’s trumpet. That made me smile.

A composition called “Daybreak is track #2.  Anton Dromberg is brightly featured on piano, with Palmberg shining in the featured spotlight. This song, like the first tune, leans heavily towards classical European music. “French Flavors” leans a bit towards traditional jazz and Straight-ahead, while reminding me of Spanish bull rings and the music of Spain, rather than France. Niklas Wennström steps out towards the end of the tune to showcase his talents on the double bass, soloing beautifully just before the tune concludes. “Behind the Clouds” is a pretty ballad, with the Dromberg piano tinkling in the background, adding arpeggio runs to the arrangement.  Palmberg definitely has his own style of playing and composing.  What I miss is a tune that inspires me to snap my fingers or tap my toes.

On “Birch Trees” I hear a bit of the blues mixed into Anton Dromberg’s piano introduction. Nice! Finally, Sebastian Voegler offers a drum beat that encourages my foot to tap.  But where is the two and the four?  That’s the root of American jazz.  I hear it when Wennström plays his bass. Clearly the piano player feels it too.  But the drums don’t feel it or offer that amazing groove that makes jazz so universally unique. This song could have been the one where Voegler shows off his percussive skills. It is one of my favorite original compositions by Palmberg.

On a song called “Hits and Misses” Voegler is given free rein to let his drumsticks paint vivid pictures. This is another favorite of mine with Straight-ahead jazz pushing the energy forward. Voegler misses his opportunity. Also included are two ‘cover’ songs: “I Remember You” as well as “Moon and Sand.”

On the beautiful “Silver Moon” composition, Erik Palmberg mutes his trumpet, and that tone is lovely on this arrangement.  Wennström takes an extended bass solo that is well-played and creative.  They close with “Moon and Sand” written by Alec Wilder. Pianist Dromberg brings a flowering talent to this bandstand and is definitely a young talent to watch. Bandleader, Palmberg is a notable composer and proficient jazz trumpeter.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

* * * * * * * * * * * *

BUY NOW

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter