The Nordic Trilogy
My artistic work explores intercultural communication, composition, and improvisation through three Nordic based albums. I am a drummer and composer, but also an artistic developer and leader. The trilogy is a cohesive whole, a collective work that reflects and enhances each part.
The work brings together a number of extraordinary internationally renowned Nordic musicians within a coherent framework with the aim of giving the listener an new understanding of Nordic improvisation and composition.
All published by the Copenhagen based recordlabel April Records
This trilogy represents not only an important contribution to the improvisation scene but also a significant artistic exploration of the Nordic music tradition. My music aspires to unite people across generations, borders, and genres. I see this music as a path to cohesion and empathy in a divided world.
Find the records here: https://danielsommer.bandcamp.com/
Arild Andersen / Daniel Sommer / Rob Luft
"As Time Passes"
A leading Norwegian bassist for over 30 years, ECM legend Arild Andersen forges promising relationships with two rising stars - Daniel Sommer (drums) and Rob Luft (guitar) in an expansive, playful exploration of song and collective improvisation. ‘As Time Passes’ is released on April 26th 2024 on April Records.
Arild Andersen (NO): Bass & Comp
Rob Luft (UK): Guitar & Comp
Daniel Sommer: Drums & Comp
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
"[I have] rarely used the word beautiful without thinking twice. But now it comes to mind. As the only word that truly fits my experience of 'As time passes.'
Kim Skotte - Politiken
PRESTO MUSIC AWARD WINNER
BEST ALBUM OF 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Something of a landmark release, and has to rank as one of the finest trio recordings heard anywhere this year"
Mike Gates, ukvibe
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As Time Passes is experienced as a small masterpiece from a trio that has just begun to collaborate. What might it become?
Ole Bisbjerg - All That
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I highly recommend this album and its beauty, created by combining experience and fresh new perspectives!"
SKJAZZ - Patrick Španko!
" "As Time Passes is absolutely one of the best jazz albums of the year"
Dick Hovenga - Writteninmusic
South Korean magazine 월간 재즈피플 (Jazz People)
The review ends with the words '올해의 앨범 후보 중 하나!' (One of the best albums this year!)
Daniel Sommer / Arve Henriksen / Johannes Lundberg
"Sounds & Sequences"
The main focus of the work is to challenge ourselves by being vulnerable and intuitive in the music. We explore the boundaries between electronic and acoustic music while integrating free improvisation in a compositional manner. Drawing inspiration from both chamber music, rubato jazz, and electronic music, the aim of this constellation is to build on the tradition of improvisational aesthetics in our own way.
Arve Henriksen (NO): Trompet & Electronics
Johannes Lundberg (SWE): Bass & Electronics
Daniel Sommer: Drums
Release date:
Oktober 25th 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This spontaneous approach gives the album a sense of unpredictability and rawness that feels intentional and reflects the incredible chemistry between the musicians.
- SKJazz
BEST ALBUM OF 2024
JAZZNYT - NIELS OVERGAARD
SKJAZZ
UKVIBE
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
...beautiful vast open spaces and an enduring love that would overcome all challenges....
A magnificent piece of music.
- UKvibe
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sounds & Sequences exemplifies heightened listening and ultra-responsive playing. It’s a melancholy electro acoustic soundtrack one imagines could be heard on the wind as it whistles down from Europe’s cold and beautiful north.
- Jazzwise
"...There should be no doubt that I consider the album to be one of the major releases of the year in Danish jazz...."
- JazzNyt
Artturi Rönkä / Daniel Sommer / Thommy Andersson
"Lost Threads"
The music is created during various composition residencies, where Rönka and Sommer meet and compose together. We draw inspiration from the Nordic tradition for our harmonies and melodies, while simultaneously avoiding conservatism or becoming locked into a fixed style. The music develops our own Nordic sound, which also reflects the globalized world we live in.
Artturi Rönkä (FI): Piano & Comp
Thommy Andersson (SWE): Bass
Daniel Sommer: Drums & Comp
Release date:
March 21 2025
"…Lost Threads delivers on every level. Fans of the genre should check this out immediately…"
— Eddie Myer, Jazzwise Magazine
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"…Thoughtful, organic, and highly engaging, the beautiful music of Lost Threads
complements the first two albums perfectly…"
— Mike Gates, UK Vibe
"Lost Threads", the final part of the "Nordic Trilogy",
Is a close-knit trio with dreamlike interplay and exquisite solos.
It's unhurried yet dynamic jazz of the highest quality — never drifting into the background.
12/15 — Jochen König, musikreviews.de
"Damn good release."'
Salt Peanuts
A Nordic Trilogy: three outstanding albums that impress on every level.
— Vinyl-Fan
"Lost Threads is the perfect conclusion to a trilogy that continually evolved, maintaining its vibrancy and energy until the very end."
— Tim Larsen, Jazzviews
“A beautifully understated and deeply personal conclusion to Daniel Sommer’s Nordic Trilogy — Lost Threads builds a quiet, powerful bridge between musicians and listeners.”
- Musikandsich
