The third album of the Swedish family unit Agnas Bros. – pianist Max, guitarist Kasper, double bass player Mauritz and drummer Konrad, the four brothers ages vary between 19 to 25 years old, is a logical continuation of the young quartet previous two albums. The strong, emphatic and supportive interplay was already established 13 years ago at their parents home basement as well as the breadth of influences and references, and solidified in many performances including collaborations with trombonist-bandleader Nils Landgren and American guitarist Pat Metheny.

«Lycka Till Med Musiken» (Good Luck with the Music) was recorded on March 2017 at the legendary Atlantis Studio by Janne Hansson and features original compositions by Kasper, Mauritz and Max Agnas. These compositions are rooted in the Nordic jazz legacy, bright, with clear narratives and highly melodic and with no sense of urgency.

But there are few surprises. «9» by Max Agnas takes composer Ludwig van Beethoven to a joyful, leisured dance on a summer day. Max Agnas’ ballad, «Jan Johnsson», a beautiful tribute to the seminal Swedish pianist-composer, is one of the emotional highlights of this album. Kasper and Mauritz Agnas emphasize their telepathic interplay on Mauritz’ lyrical «Skattkammarön». The last piece, «Haruki», is the most beautiful one. This ballad by Kasper Agnas, obviously, dedicated to Japanese writer Haruki Murakami, offers a suggestive-enigmatic guitar solo that tells a cryptic story that fits perfectly the dreamy spirit of Murakami stories.

Eyal Hareuveni

Konrad Agnas (dr), Kasper Agnes (g), Mauritz Agnes (b), Max Agnas (p)