For the first time they form a group, these four well-known players from Norway, Sweden and Finland. Throughout the years they have encountered each other in various bands and projects. As a result of that, we can hear a mutual respect on their new album. The foundation is formed by the lyrical compositions of saxophonist Trygve Seim and double bassist Anders Jormin. Their imaginative improvisational playing is complemented in a sparse, but accurate way by trumpeter Arve Henriksen and percussionist Markku Ounaskari.

Arcanum’s eponymous debut album will be released this year on the well-respected label ECM Recordings. Alongside original compositions, it contains variations on the Finnish traditional ‘Armon Lapset’, as well as ‘What Reason Could I Give’ by Ornette Coleman. On the one hand, the music contains influences from various cultures, such as Jormin’s composition ‘Koto’, which was inspired by Japanese traditional music. On the other hand, Arcanum has a recognizable group sound that is related to contemporary jazz and free improvisation.

Arve Henriksen trumpet, Trygve Seim saxophone, Anders Jormin double bass, Markku Ounaskari drums