| Jazz moderne |
A debut album often serves as an introduction to an artist’s musical personality. In the case of Antumbra Ensemble, guitarist and composer Henrik Olsson does something far more ambitious: he presents a fully formed artistic universe, one where progressive rock, avant-garde jazz, contemporary composition, and fearless improvisation intersect with remarkable imagination.
The result is an album of eight original compositions which refuse to be confined by stylistic boundaries. Throughout the record, Olsson demonstrates an impressive command of composition and ensemble writing, creating music that is intellectually stimulating without ever losing its sense of playfulness or adventure.
Listeners familiar with the musical worlds of Frank Zappa, Sun Ra, Soft Machine, or guitarist Marc Ribot will immediately recognize certain points of reference. Yet Antumbra Ensemble never feels derivative. Rather, Henrik Olsson absorbs these influences and reshapes them into a language that is unmistakably his own.
The opening track, The Maneki-Neko Defect, immediately establishes the album’s distinctive character. It is delightfully Zappaesque, not merely in its angular melodies, sudden rhythmic shifts, and ironic sense of humour, but also in its refusal to accept conventional musical logic. Unexpected turns, dazzling ensemble precision, and mischievous compositional twists create an exhilarating beginning that immediately captures the listener’s attention. This track is pure Zappa-in-spirit: knotty unison horn lines, abrupt tempo lurches, and a wink-wink absurdist title that sets the tone for the record’s playful irreverence. It’s a serious composition wearing a clown nose, and it works beautifully as a statement of intent.
Other tracks move further into avant-garde territory. Fragments of melody emerge and dissolve within an ever-changing rhythmic framework. The dialogue between guitar and horns becomes particularly compelling.
The closing track, Freedom, Flowers, Book and the Moon…øh…, a wonderfully eccentric send-off, title and all, serves as a fitting conclusion to the journey. Bringing together many of the album’s recurring musical ideas, it balances between Soft Machine, Zappa and Sun Ra’s whimsical music. Rather than providing easy resolution, the music leaves the listener eager to return to the beginning and discover new connections hidden within the eight compositions.
Henrik Olsson himself proves to be an exceptional guitarist. His playing draws upon jazz, progressive rock, avant-garde music, and contemporary classical techniques without ever sounding encyclopaedic or self-conscious. At times his angular phrasing recalls Marc Ribot’s adventurous spirit, while elsewhere one detects echoes of the harmonic sophistication and playful unpredictability associated with Frank Zappa.
Yet Olsson’s greatest strength lies in his refusal to imitate either. His guitar voice remains distinctly personal throughout.
The six musicians who accompany him deserve equal praise: Michaela Turcerová on alto sax, Erik Kimestad Pedersen on trumpet, Petter Hängsel on trombone, Kristian Tangvik on tuba, Jeppe Skovbakke on electric bass and Rune Lohse on drums.
In Zappa’s mind this is very much an ensemble rather than a leader with sidemen. Each performer contributes an individual voice while remaining fully committed to the collective vision. The rhythm section provides remarkable flexibility, navigating complex rhythmic structures with apparent ease while maintaining an infectious sense of groove whenever the music demands it. The horn players enrich the music with vibrant colours, bold unison passages, expressive improvisations, and beautifully balanced textures. Every musician demonstrates exceptional technical command while consistently placing musical expression above virtuosity.
One of the album’s greatest achievements lies in this collective spirit. No single musician seeks to dominate the proceedings. Instead, ideas circulate freely among the ensemble, creating performances that feel simultaneously carefully constructed and wonderfully spontaneous. Stylistically, Antumbra Ensemble occupies a fascinating crossroads.
The compositional imagination of Frank Zappa, the cosmic openness of Sun Ra, the exploratory energy of Soft Machine, and the fearless eclecticism of Marc Ribot all hover somewhere in the background. Yet Henrik Olsson transforms these influences into something entirely his own, producing music that sounds contemporary and deeply personal.
Perhaps the most remarkable quality of the album is its ability to combine complexity with excitement. Many avant-garde recordings demand intellectual admiration but struggle to generate genuine enjoyment. Antumbra Ensemble never suffers from this problem. Its rhythmic vitality, imaginative orchestration and constant sense of discovery make it an exhilarating listening experience from beginning to end.
This is progressive jazz in the truest sense of the word: music that constantly moves forward, questions conventions, embraces risk, and celebrates creativity without sacrificing emotional engagement.
For a debut album, Antumbra Ensemble is an extraordinary achievement. Henrik Olsson reveals himself not only as an outstanding guitarist but also as a composer of remarkable originality and an ensemble leader capable of bringing together six equally adventurous musicians in pursuit of a shared artistic vision.
One can only hope that this first recording marks the beginning of a long and fascinating musical journey. If Antumbra Ensemble is any indication, Henrik Olsson has already established himself as one of the most imaginative new voices in contemporary progressive jazz.
Frankie Pfeiffer
Editor in chief – PARIS-MOVE
PARIS-MOVE, June 30th, 2026
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Tracklisting:
- The Maneki-Neko Defect 01:41
- Homeshredder 03:22
- El Excavador de mi Corazon 06:02
- Hey Pedo, It’s Just Cosmic Dust 08:17
- Will Sommer 05:29
- A Lesser-Known Tragedy (part I & II) 05:46
- The FInal Night : Sugoi Yoru! 05:40
- With Freedom, Flowers, Book and the Moon…øh… 04:26
Musicians:
Henrik Olsson – electric guitar, additional synths/sounds
Michaela Turcerová – alto sax
Erik Kimestad Pedersen – trumpet
Petter Hängsel – trombone & recorder
Kristian Tangvik – tuba
Jeppe Skovbakke – electric bass
Rune Lohse – drums
Compositions and arrangements by Henrik Olsson