Jon Henrikkson: ‘Shapeshifter’

There’s some great jazz coming from across Europe including ‘Shapeshifter’, the upcoming release from Stockholm-based bassist Jon Henriksson with his quartet.

Henriksson brings his eight original compositions to life with an impressive quartet on Shapeshifter. Rasmus Sørensen (piano), Jonas Bäckman (drums) and Karl-Martin Almqvist (sax) are augmented by Pelle von Bülow (guitar) and Rasmus Holm (trombone) on selected tracks.

There really is a sense of shapes being shifted, with each track  exploring a different jazz texture. The opening track - Toninho - is a tribute to Brazilian guitarist and composer Toninho Horta includes the additional guitar and trombone while allowing the core quartet its moment in the sun, with a lovely, subtle sax improvisation from Almqvist.

The title track shows off Henrikkson’s beautiful bass sonority in the opening section with piano. When it comes to the tantalisingly brief Saga Nomri Ngen, the bass once more takes melodic lines that do much more than the traditional supportive bass line. The final high note echoed on the piano cannot help but bring a smile.

Once more, on Ses vid horisonten as Shapeshifter draws to a close, the bass takes a melodic line that works beautifully with the sax. The interaction between all the instruments is delightful, with Henrikkson’s bass at the heart.

Shapeshifter is out on April Records on 20 March.