Shapeshifter

Description

April Records proudly presents the new album from Stockholm-based bassist and composer Jon Henriksson - a confident and flexible statement that deepens his place within contemporary Scandinavian jazz. Following the success of his 2023 debut Harmonia which placed second in Orkesterjournalen's "Golden Album" readers' poll, Henriksson returns with music that foregrounds collective interplay, shifting forms, and a strong compositional voice. Born in Gothenburg and now active across Sweden and Europe, Henriksson has collaborated and toured with artists including Lars Jansson, Hakan Brostrom, Erik Soderlind, Klas Lindquist, Jonas Kullhammar and Christina von Bulow. Alongside leading his own ensembles, he remains a sought-after bassist in a wide range of projects, balancing a deep connection to the jazz tradition with a modern, exploratory approach. Shapeshifter is built around a core quartet of tenor saxophone, piano, double bass and drums, expanded with guitar on three tracks and trombone on two. The album moves fluidly between contrasting moods, from forceful and driving to reflective and restrained, with each piece shaped by the musicians' intuition and responsiveness. The title reflects Henriksson's compositional philosophy: allowing roles, textures, and forms to evolve as the music unfolds. The ensemble brings together long-standing musical relationships. Pianist Rasmus Sorensen and Henriksson have collaborated since their studies at Skurups Folkhogskola (Henriksson is a longstanding member of Sorensen's own trio), while drummer Jonas Backman forms part of a well-established rhythm section partnership with the bassist across numerous projects including the Britta Virves Trio. Saxophonist Karl-Martin Almqvist, a member of the Danish Radio Big Band, completes the quartet, with guitarist Pelle von Bulow and trombonist Rasmus Holm joining the session shortly before recording to expand the album's sonic palette where the music called for it. Originally conceived as a quartet album, Shapeshifter took its final shape in the lead-up to recording as additional instrumental colours were introduced organically. The piece Toninho, a tribute to Brazilian guitarist and composer Toninho Horta, features acoustic guitar and subtle wordless vocals, reflecting melodic influences that sit naturally within the album's contemporary jazz framework. Across the record, space, pacing, and interaction remain central. Rather than forcing constant motion, the music allows ideas to develop with clarity and intent, resulting in an album that highlights Henriksson's growing assurance as a composer and bandleader, while keeping the collective at its core.

Description

April Records proudly presents the new album from Stockholm-based bassist and composer Jon Henriksson - a confident and flexible statement that deepens his place within contemporary Scandinavian jazz. Following the success of his 2023 debut Harmonia which placed second in Orkesterjournalen's "Golden Album" readers' poll, Henriksson returns with music that foregrounds collective interplay, shifting forms, and a strong compositional voice. Born in Gothenburg and now active across Sweden and Europe, Henriksson has collaborated and toured with artists including Lars Jansson, Hakan Brostrom, Erik Soderlind, Klas Lindquist, Jonas Kullhammar and Christina von Bulow. Alongside leading his own ensembles, he remains a sought-after bassist in a wide range of projects, balancing a deep connection to the jazz tradition with a modern, exploratory approach. Shapeshifter is built around a core quartet of tenor saxophone, piano, double bass and drums, expanded with guitar on three tracks and trombone on two. The album moves fluidly between contrasting moods, from forceful and driving to reflective and restrained, with each piece shaped by the musicians' intuition and responsiveness. The title reflects Henriksson's compositional philosophy: allowing roles, textures, and forms to evolve as the music unfolds. The ensemble brings together long-standing musical relationships. Pianist Rasmus Sorensen and Henriksson have collaborated since their studies at Skurups Folkhogskola (Henriksson is a longstanding member of Sorensen's own trio), while drummer Jonas Backman forms part of a well-established rhythm section partnership with the bassist across numerous projects including the Britta Virves Trio. Saxophonist Karl-Martin Almqvist, a member of the Danish Radio Big Band, completes the quartet, with guitarist Pelle von Bulow and trombonist Rasmus Holm joining the session shortly before recording to expand the album's sonic palette where the music called for it. Originally conceived as a quartet album, Shapeshifter took its final shape in the lead-up to recording as additional instrumental colours were introduced organically. The piece Toninho, a tribute to Brazilian guitarist and composer Toninho Horta, features acoustic guitar and subtle wordless vocals, reflecting melodic influences that sit naturally within the album's contemporary jazz framework. Across the record, space, pacing, and interaction remain central. Rather than forcing constant motion, the music allows ideas to develop with clarity and intent, resulting in an album that highlights Henriksson's growing assurance as a composer and bandleader, while keeping the collective at its core.