As co-founder of Phronesis, bassist and composer Jasper Høiby brought new energy to the concept of the piano trio. That same approach to structure, risk and collective musical momentum forms the foundation of his own project, 3Elements. For this format he continually invites different young players, this time pianist Xavi Torres and drummer Naíma Acuña.

On Conversations of Hope, released on Edition Records, the music moves fast and hits hard: clear melodic ideas, shifting time signatures and an acute sense of space. Acuña’s precise, driving drumwork and Torres’ harmonically focused piano playing connect closely with Høiby’s compositions, in which the double bass takes centre stage.

‘Høiby fashions his pieces so the lines between freedom and form are beautifully blurred — everything belongs, nothing is forced.’ (Mojo)

Xavi Torres piano, Jasper Høiby double bass, Naíma Acuña drums