Live At Teater Tribunalen is the long-overdue official debut album of the Swedish free jazz meets free improvisation working trio of Gothenburg-based alto sax player, versatile double bass player Patric Thorman (who has played with Persson in the Kvintetten Som Sprängdes), and legendary drummer Raymond Strid (of GUSH). Persson released on his Bandcamp page the debut recording of the trio, Improvisationer, recorded at Norlings Rör Heby in September 2023.
The Persson Trio was formed ten years ago after Persson and Thorman had a casual session with Strid at his home in Hebt. Live At Teater Tribunalen was recorded in the famous theatre in Stockholm, a perfect location for this trio that seeks to challenge musical hierarchies in its free music. The trio performed there during the FRIM (Föreningen För Fri Improviserad Musik, The Association for Free Improvised Music) festival in October 2024.
The album features two powerful, extended free improvisations, highlighting the immediate, organic flow of music as well as its uplifting rhythmic drive. Persson articulates his stream of melodic ideas in a clear, sharp voice, sometimes echoing the sound of Eric Dolphy, while Thorman supplies a solid, rhythmic drive. Strid’s free and inventive drumming opens the trio’s dynamics, especially on the second piece, «Shanghajad i Heby», all the way to the explosive, cathartic conclusion of this life-affirming performance.
Eyal Hareuveni
Niklas Persson (alto saxophone), Patric Thorman (double bass), Raymond Strid (drums)
