Be Free – Ebba Åsman

Quantifying our genre, ‘Scandinavian soul,’ remains challenging ever since we were founded 11 years ago. While Fieh represents the uniqueness of the sound only known in these Nordic lands, our overall core requirement is simply – soulfulness. Music that touches the soul.

This soulful feeling weaves into Be Free, Swedish artist Ebba Åsman‘s new alternative jazz album. Jazz trombonist Ebba, who describes her album as a tribute to different perspectives and backgrounds, lets her creativity expand unrestrainedly. She uses vocals sparingly, only as melodic harmony to complement soulful, summery tracks.

The album opens with Unplug. Her mellow trombone playing is like walking along a garden path at night and experiencing glowing fireflies guiding you along.

Oozing with Soul, Be Free is rightfully chosen as the album’s title track. My favourite track, this is an exemplary example of her evocative, soulful and soothing sound. The rhythm is gentle and soothing, and the vocal harmonies are mellow and dreamy. Just add sunshine!

Throughout Ebbas’ trombone provides a harmonious and beautiful atmosphere with a melody that is both the star and the orchestral of the piece. With the pacy rhythm licks on Power Through, Ebba’s trombone provides an emotional effect underlined by angelic vocals.

The album’s ambient nature causes tracks like Trust Yourself, to create a calming effect allowing you a pause from life to internalise your own interpretations and thoughts. And the collection is sealed in style with the equally delicate track Growth.

For an ‘alternative jazz’ album, I was pleased this collection never veered off track, into disjointed realms that only hardcore jazz officials can admire.

This album reminds you to be yourself and follow your own path. A must-listen for alternative jazz fans Be Free is for everyone.