Simon Toldam Trio: OMHU

Release date: 15-02-2019

Humans have long been fascinated by time and space - concepts inspiring millennia of artistic exploration and philosophical reflection. 

In the space between activities and motions, between sounds and notes, there is time to digest, time to be curious, and time to be present. 

On OMHU, the fourth album by the Simon Toldam Trio, the band presents a series of sonic explorations in slowness, elaborating on the concept of the titular word, which in Danish means “being precise, careful, and conscientious in the execution, treatment, or care of something.”

Recorded in the magnificent acoustics of Germany’s Sendesaal Bremen, the trio explores Toldam’s freshly composed material with the utmost OMHU, vibrating presence, and breathless depth. 

The telepathic interplay between Nils on bass, Knut on drums, and Simon on piano has been present and thriving since they began playing together nine years ago, when they instantly became one of the most acclaimed and versatile bands from Denmark. Whether parading or drifting, noising or silencing, the understanding displayed between the three musicians demonstrates their uncanny ability to beat and blow as one organism. 

Their debut album, "Sunshine Sunshine or Green as Grass,” was heralded as a masterpiece by jazz critics and nominated as “Jazz Album of the Year” at the Danish Music Awards in 2012. The success continued with the also-nominated duology “KIG OP 14” and “KIG OP 15” in 2014 and 2015, respectively. On OMHU, their strongest offering to date, they continue their exploration and reinvention of the art of the piano trio.

Simon Toldam is one of Scandinavia’s most exciting and acclaimed musicians, and has released 14 albums as a leader and co-leader. He is a four-time winner of Danish Music Awards and is a member of the Danish jazz and contemporary recording label, ILK Music. In 2005 (2015?), he received the prestigious 3-year grant from The Danish Arts Foundation. In addition to leading the Simon Toldam Trio and STORK, Toldam is a member of Dutch drum legend Han Bennink’s trio, releasing three celebrated albums together. He has also known for collaborations with Axel Dörner, Yasuhiro Yoshigaki, Chris Speed, Marc Ducret, Evan Parker, Peter Brötzmann, Eivind Aarset, Nils-Petter Molvær, Marilyn Mazur, Tristan Honsinger, Dave Douglas, and Jakob Bro.

OMHU is released on the Danish contemporary label ILK Music on deluxe vinyl and CD.

“Simon Toldam ... one of the most impressive figures on the bustling Scandinavian improvised music scene.” -Peter Margasak, DownBeat 

"Together these three musicians have created their own sound, their own way of seeing and hearing.” -Jakob Bækgaard, All About Jazz