Elsa Nilsson

Atlas Of Sound, Coast Redwoods, 41°32’09.8”N 124°04’35.5”W

Ears & Eyes, 2022

8/10

Listen to Atlas Of Sound, Coast Redwoods, 41°32’09.8”N 124°04’35.5”W

The debut record from the flutist and composer Elsa Nilsson, she brings along Jon Cowherd on piano and Chris Morrissey on bass for these 10 lush and somewhat improvised tracks.

“Sunshift Haze” starts the listen bare and warm, where the delicate piano, soothing flute, and carefully plucked bass make for a mesmerizing opener, and “Catching Droplets” follows with a quicker approach of agile flute and playful bass patterns that are quite charming.

“Proof Of The Unseen” arrives at the halfway point with a cautious, reflective tone that meshes the instruments sublimely, while “Epicormic” recruits an adventurous spirit that’s unpredictable in its abstract vision.

Nearing the end, “Molted Steps” offers a rich and dreamy album highlight, and “Hold Onto Each Other” exits the listen with strong attention to tempo and gesture that’s quite captivating.

An excellent starting point for the poetic artist, there’s a nature-esque theme running beneath these tracks, and with the help of Cowherd and Morrissey this first album sure does not disappoint.

Travels well with: Mike Allemana- Vonology; Noa Fort- Everyday Actions