Shimmering Blue [CD]

Swedish bassist and composer Thommy Andersson makes his long-awaited SteepleChase leader debut with Shimmering Blue, a striking trio recording featuring Kirk Knuffke (cornet) and Jose Davila (helicon, tuba, didgeridoo, euphorium, and bass flute). Known for his work with Pierre Dorge's New Jungle Orchestra, Andersson now steps forward with a highly personal sound world-drumless, low-brass rich, and full of lyrical nuance.Drawing on his background as a trombonist and cellist, Andersson crafts compositions that shimmer with color and emotional depth. From rustic tone poems to avant-garde textures, the album explores space, resonance, and melodic interplay with chamber-like intimacy. Critics have praised his "supremely weighted bass playing" and ability to "facilitate exalted music." Shimmering Blue is a bold, poetic statement from a seasoned artist-grounded in Nordic tradition, yet open to global textures and sonic surprise.