Sven-Ake Johansson Quintet - Stumps

Sven-Ake Johansson has referred to the book of compositions used for his Stumps project as the magnum opus of his small group writing. The top-notch quintet he assembled for the project includes some of his most trusted collaborators in trumpeter Axel Dörner and double bassist Joel Grip, complemented by the involvement of two younger but equally compelling French improvisers, pianist Simon Sieger and alto saxophonist Pierre Borel. 

The compositions are schematic marvels, each one containing simple but effective variations to a single staccato form. Each “Stump” alters the rhythm and melodic shape of the basic formula, functioning as an effective launchpad for sublime improvisation, with Johansson’s trademark ride cymbal pulse and stuttering snare presiding over each variant. Each piece is bookended by his pithy themes before opening up for a series of probing solo excursions from the ensemble, pushed along by the drummer and bassist.