Holm-Svendsen, Sommer, Praśniewski: Totem (April Records/digital outlets)

Now the names might not be familiar but this is smooth, cool and interesting jazz which peels off from the likes of Ornette Coleman and Sonny Rollins as this trio of Christian Holm-Svendsen (saxophones, clarinet), Daniel Sommer (drums) and Mariusz Praśniewski (bass) uncouple themselves from chordal instruments and allow the melodic and rhythmic exploration to flow freely.

With sometimes as much fluid loveliness as Paul Desmond (in the Brubeck Quartet) and at other times pushing further into freedom (the title track), this is an instantly appealing debut album recorded in Copenhagen by musicians who have a wealth of experience in big bands, orchestras and small ensembles Europe and the US.

The airy Vind og vier/Wind and Weather perfectly echoes the title, as does Dvale/Sleep (which seems to suggest a night in a caravanserai.

As those titles suggest, there is a languor and ease to this music even in Per Aspera Ad Astra/Through Adversity to the Stars which floats as if defying gravity while also suggesting a simple folk melody. And even in Ba Da Da Di.

This is exceptionally pleasant jazz which barely breaks a sweat but is actually the more coherent and consistent to for that.

Recommended for warmth on winter nights.

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You can hear and buy this album at bandcamp here