When the idea of a “solo trombone jazz album” is mentioned, I’m sure your first thought is either “BORING” or “WAY OUT THERE!”. Well, this release by trombonist Nils Landgren may not be for everyone, but it should be, as it is a journey into the songs and hymns of his childhood, reverently performed in the gorgeous acoustics of his home church before his longtime wife as the only audience. The result is a personal and spiritual collection of sounds that is truly inspiring.
It helps that Landgren has a warm and mellifluous horn, sort of like a ‘bone version of Stan Getz. The songs are all performed at a relaxed pace, perfect for reflection and recitative meditation. The songs themselves include thoughtful renditions of jazz standards by the likes of Duke Ellington (“Solitude”, “In A Sentimental Mood” as well as the luminous “Nature Boy”. Even if you aren’t Lutheran or High Church, you’ll probably recognize some of the pieces, such as “Morning Has Broken”, but even the ones you don’t know from your hymnal will make you want to look for the translations in English, as “Der Mond is aufgegangen” is richly autumnal and “Din klara sol gar ater opp” simply serene. Landren’s own “A Minor” is a thoughtful fluffy cloud, and Evert taube’s “Som stjarnor sma” richly contemplative. Put this on some morning in solitude, and it will make your daily routine a bit more complete. A trombone trip to a monastery.