Niklas Persson Trio - Live At Teater Tribunalen

Niklas Persson Trio
Live At Teater Tribunalen
Discreet Music
Sweden, 2025
LP

Gothenburg’s Discreet Music throws a curveball with their first straight-ahead jazz album, though “straight-ahead” is underselling it. Niklas Persson Trio strikes a balance between fire and tradition, moving from striding bass lines to more deconstructed passages with fluidity and elan. The label cites Albert Ayler and Anthony Braxton as key influences, and Persson’s sax playing is both passionate and cerebral. Gustaf Dicksson’s distinctive artwork adds a nice layer of scruff.

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FROM THE LABEL:

The long overdue first proper jazz album on Discreet Music! Niklas Persson Trio is a free jazz group consisting of three of Sweden's leading improvisers. The trio started 10 years ago on the initiative of double bassist Patric Thorman and saxophonist Niklas Persson. From meeting and playing casually at drummer Raymond Strid's home in Heby for many years, the group now unveils their first powerful statement. The album was recorded live at the FRIM festival at Teater Tribunalen in August 2024 and for 35 minutes the trio blasts on with their highly energetic and life-elevating free jazz, sort of in the emotive spirit of Eric Dolphy with some echoes of Anthony Braxton though with an own identity and a distinctive Scandinavian touch. The members has previously been active with acts and artists like Gush, Kvintetten Som Sprängdes, Brända Broar and Roland Keijser. Pressed in an edition of 300 copies. Artwork by Gustaf Dicksson.

Discreet Music 29, 2025