Helsinki Songs

With its overt lyricism, strong themes and a sense of perpetual melodic invention, Norwegian saxophonist Trygve Seims new album quickly identifies itself as a classic-in-the-making. Themes of dedication run through Seims Helsinki Songs, a set of tunes composed for the most part in the Finnish capital, and radiating tributes in many directions. Here are songs referencing Igor Stravinsky and Jimmy Webb, pieces dedicated to each of Seims gifted bandmates, and tunes that tip the hat, obliquely, to Ornette Coleman and Bill Evans. The quartet plays superbly throughout, with outstanding solos from leader Seim and pianist Kristjan Randalu. Helsinki Songs was recorded in Oslos Rainbow Studio in January 2018 and produced by Manfred Eicher.