Omrum - 2025 - Bringer of Light

(44:19; Hobby Horse Records)






















Track list:
1. Intro 2:59
2. Blues for Teitelbaum 6:02
3. Intermezzo No1 2:07
4. Nobility 5:27
5. Paul`s Idea 3:34
6. Intermezzo No2 1:49
7. S/H 4:46
8. For the Love of Wisdom 4:41
9. Sand 5:48
10. Bringer of Light 7:06

Line-up:
Erik Kimestad - trumpet
Mads Hyhne - trombone
Richard Andersson - double bass
Jakob Høyer - drums


Denmark based quartet Omrum is, from what I understand, a fairly recent constellation in the Scandinavian jazz scene, with three Danish musicians and one Norwegian artist joining forces to form this band. They released their debut album "Bringer of Light" through Danish label Hobby Horse Records in the late fall of 2025.

Jazz is the style explored on this production, with a quartet consisting of bass, drums, trumpet and trombone. This is an all instrumental affair in other words, delivered by a band that appear to be fond of a more inviting take on what I'd describe as expressive, instrumental jazz.

These compositions will normally feature either the bass or the drums as something of a foundation, very occasionally with both rhythm instruments forming a captivating groove at the bottom end in parts of the landscapes explored. But for major parts of this album experience we get a band with one fairly constant element and three elements that to a lesser or greater degree explore expressive tendencies.

This isn't a die hard expressive construction however, as the rhythms and drive are functional rather than chaotic, and the brass instruments alternates between a more melodic delivery and passages where mainly minor expressive elements are given space and room to live and breathe.

We do get forays into slightly more chaotic landscapes along the way, often condensed into some of the shorter compositions here, while the longer ventures alternate more between stability and more expressive tendencies. On several occasions with a slower tempo applied, and the brass instruments displaying fragile tendencies as well as more powerful and dominating presences. One might describe this album as a little bit of a balancing act, with the foursome exploring the border between being approachable and challenging. With some of the slower, more mournful creations arguably being the compositions that may have the most widespread appeal, such as the very slow and careful 'For the Love of Wisdom'.

It is within the context outlined that I see the main appeal for this album too. Those who are fond of instrumental jazz that mix approachable and inviting elements with a slight touch of an expressive edge, pulling in elements from improvisation into a more melodic general context. If that is a description that you find intriguing, then this album may well be, as it is named: A bringer of light.

Olav M. Björnsen, February 2026

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/omrumband/
https://www.facebook.com/hobbyhorserecordsjazz/

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