Anders Jormin - Ad Lucem [CD]

The distinguished Swedish bassist Anders Jormin steps out with one of his uncategorisable projects, with an ensemble formed for the Swedish Jazz Celebration 2010. Anders sets his own lyrics - written in ancient Latin - and poetry of Denmark's Pia Tafdrup for singers Mariam Wallentin and Erika Angell. Improvisers on hand are the great Swedish free sax and clarinet player Fredrik Ljungkvist and Jormin's highly expressive partner from the Bobo Stenson Trio, drummer Jon Fält. <p>Jormin says: "Latin seems to carry an almost magic ability to embrace and express whatever humanity has needed to communicate. The sense of eternity and mystery of this ancient language joined with the instantaneous presence and creativity of true improvisers became the inspiring framework in which the distinctive compositions came alive."</p> <p>Ad Lucem is Anders Jormin's third leader date for ECM following Xieyi (released in 2001) and In Winds, In Light (out in 2007), but he is well-known for his contributions to the label with recordings with Charles Lloyd, Don Cherry, Tomasz Stanko, Marilyn Mazur, Mark Feldman, Sinikka Langeland, Jon Balke and especially Bobo Stenson, all of which have received praise internationally. Alongside his compositions for jazz groups (many of which have been played by the Bobo Stenson Trio), Anders has a growing reputation as a composer of works for chamber ensembles and mixed jazz and classical forces. He recently completed a new oratorio for choir, chamber orchestra and solo double bass.</p> <p>Mariam Wallentin and Erika Angell are active in music beyond 'jazz'. Wallentin has made a name for herself in the Swedish pop-blues-experimental duo Wildbirds and Peacedrums with husband Andreas Werliin on percussion. Angell is vocalist-leader of pop band Thus:Owls and sings also in electro-improv duo The Moth.</p> <p>Personnel: Mariam Wallentin (voice), Erika Angell (voice), Fredrik Ljungkvist (clarinet, saxophone), Anders Jormin (double-bass), Jon Fält (drums)</p>