Terese Lien Evenstad Quintet: ‘Phoenix’

‘Phoenix’ from Sweden’s Terese Lien Evenstad Quintet (TLEQ) features a contemporary jazz quintet, fronted by Evenstad on violin and clarinet from Alexander Ivarsson. And there’s a real groove to several of the tracks, alongside Nordic tones and tunes, with compositions from every member of the ensemble.

The second track - Morgonljus (Morning Light) - features both violin and clarinet, in unison or in harmony and leads nicely to the groove of Som kyssar mot vårluften (Who Kisses the Spring Air), which powers along brilliantly towards the brief and melancholic Little T. This is an album of meaningful tunes which nevertheless bind musically together.

Together with Terese Lien Evenstad on violin, Phoenix features Alexander Ivarsson (clarinet), Arvid Jullander (bass), Fabian Kallerdahl (piano) and Johan Birgenius (drums). On the expressive and delightfully meandering Som Havet, poet Emma Axberg makes a guest appearance, reciting her poetry.

As if to demonstrate the quintet’s breadth and depth, Phoenix concludes with Komodo Jive, which seems to allow the album’s title bird to finally fly free.

Jazz violinist and composer Terese Lien Evenstad releases her fourth album on Hoob

Records on 26 March 2026