When You Know – Ebba Åsman

The first track – Lately – has me.

It took me where I wanted to be—somewhere in Gothenburg, a reasonably priced coffee in hand, the evening sun hanging low, and strangers passing in slow motion, their sunglasses catching the light. That’s the kind of world Ebba Åsman pulls you into with her album – When You Know.

From the opening notes of Lately, this album is a soulful affair. A mood. A space you can settle into. Ebba Åsman, a gifted Swedish trombonist and singer-songwriter, blends jazz and soul with an effortless touch, never forcing a moment. The trombone could easily have led the instrumentation, but instead it breathes, shaping the emotion of each track.

When You Know is your cloud made chariot. Mellow beats, soft trombone are covered in a blanket of Ebbas’ soulful harmonies.

Did I Go? drifts continues a sumptuous daydream, while No Answer lets the bass take the weight, grounding the sound into something rich and full. Then there’s Time Out—a standout neo-soul cut where Ebba’s vocals soften into something intimate, though the bass doesn’t quite punch through like elsewhere. Still, the groove holds, wrapping around you like the last warm hours of the day.

Though short in length, Open Your Eyes has a lingering resonance, and Grandma — a haunting, deeply personal tribute to a loved one – carries a heartfelt impact.

Some albums fade into the background. This one doesn’t. Not quite. I stayed with it, simultaneously taking notes, texting friends, and still felt in it.

When You Know isn’t here to chase trends or break algorithms—it doesn’t need to. For real music lovers, it’s always about an artist’s truth, and Ebba Åsman lays hers bare. This album takes you straight to her heart and soul—and it’s a beautiful place to be.

Think I’ll order another coffee and stay here a little longer.