The Swedish Open Trio – pianist-leader and Found You Recordings label owner Joakim Simonsson, double bass player Pär-Ola Landin and drummer Daniel Olsson, like to work in its own terms. «Heal the World» is the trio only fourth album since Open Trio began to work about 17 years ago, with no changes in its personnel.

Open Trio is often described as a bearer of the so-called «Nordic melancholy» and there is truth in this description. The compositions of Simonsson for «Heal The World» – plus a cover of Bill Evans’ «Very Early» – refer more to the thoughtful and reserved European chamber jazz than the American version of swinging Modern jazz. The trio has developed a democratic interplay where all explore the strong, melodic themes as a tight collective, moving according to its own patient pulse.

Some of Simonsson compositions for this album are songs-based pieces with an almost sing-along themes, such as the playful «You Human» and «Malala», the Keith Jarrett-ian single from the album «To the moon and back» or the ballad «Serenity». Other compositions as «Like a rainbow», «Bass» and Evans’ «Very Early» stress the introspective, open interplay of this trio. All the pieces all leave enough space for personal improvisations.

Most likely «Heal The World» may not stand up to its title mission, but it can add much needed doses of balance, harmony and beauty to our feeble planet.

Eyal Hareuveni

Joakim Simonsson (p), Pär-Ola Landin (b), Daniel Olsson (dr)