Faces

"”His own signature sound has now emerged. It is one of crisp articulation on a wide array of note selections, and an innate sense of taking the music in the direction it wants to go.” ~ Allaboutjazz

Erik Palmberg and his quartet have had a busy, yet inspiring time since the release of their last album "In Between" on Prophone Naxos in 2021. The album received widespread praise from the critics, but also won the hearts of the Swedish public as it topped the year's reader's poll (Gyllene Skivan) being voted as the # 1 jazz album in Sweden's leading jazz publication, Orkesterjournalen.

On their new album "Faces", also on the Prophone Naxos label, Erik Palmberg's Quartet made use of the time spent on tour, which enabled the band to really dive deep into the realm of their shared musical experience and combined musical expression.

”'Faces' is all about expression and creating a musical environment where we all can shine, both individually, and as a group”.

Erik began working on the new material just back from tour, after weeks not only spent playing the music, but also talking music with his band mates. The discussions and musical exchange would sow the seeds for the new songwriting, inspired by a new sense and awareness towards different styles and musical ideals within the group. "Faces" really puts on display the artistic breadth to be found in the quartet, in the interplay as well as the compositions, revealing an inspired melodic, as well as emotional drive.

The 2 chosen standards, Victor Schertzinger's classic "I Remember You" as well as Alec Wilder's enchanting "Moon And Sand", share the same thoughtfulness and attention given to detail in their arranging, as does the original material. The group often arranges the music collectively, spontaneously, engaging in an open and playful exchange of ideas as they try out the music and compositions brought in by Erik.

”We have found a way of collectively and very effectively arrange the music together, an ability and process that has developed over the years, engaging all the members in a very creative way”.

The quartet has been together since 2018, having developed a tight musical rapport and relationship with one another. Venturing on solid ground, the group's new release showcases the individual players, as well as the group as unit, filled with a musical expression of spontaneity in their improvising together, giving rise to a collective energy that flows throughout the music, even when it’s mellow.

The title track from Erik Palmberg's forthcoming album "Faces" is out now on all download and streaming sites, and the full album will released on November 22nd, 2024.