When the topic of Nordic jazz comes up, the Swedes and Norwegians in the ECM stable typically come first in mind, but for several years Icelander Sunna Gunnlaugs has been making the case to be a prominent part of that conversation, too. A pianist showing the influences of Keith Jarrett, Jon Balke, Bobo Stenson and Bill Evans, her piano voice is cerebral, composed but also very human.
We last visited a Sunna Gunnlaugs record in 2013 for Distilled, calling it a “splendid cross of relaxed lyricism and exploratory impulses that stay within the mission of advancing pleasant harmonies.” Ten years hence, we find her again leading a trio with Þorgrímur Jónsson on bass and Scott McLemore on drums. Becoming is the fifth album from this long-running trio, but the first to present only Gunnlaugs’ compositions since her 2002 debut album Mindful.
I consider that a positive thing, because Gunnlaugs is a rather good composer. She writes songs that are easy to embrace but are rich in detail underneath their engaging surfaces. Further, her band is a well-oiled trio who connect with telepathic coaction and all they seemingly want to do is make these songs reach their fullest potential.
“Becoming” is a slow-paced start to the album, but by slowing it down, it’s easier to absorb all what’s going on here. A memorable three-note riff goes through variations and the sublime three-way mesh that makes a good trio great is on full display. Jónsson’s bass solo stands out the right way precisely because he’s not trying too hard to stand out, it’s perceptibly part of the melody. An alternate take that’s equal to the main take is tacked on at the end of the album, and justifiably so.
Gunnlaugs’ knack for constructing melodies that immediately stick continues with the loosely swinging “Suddenly Autumn” and her aside is refreshingly economical and develops purposely. “Make The Jump” is as crisp as a clear winter day, and a fine example of everyone in a piano trio blurring the distinction between lead and accompanying roles; it truly sounds like a single unit.
“Where the Winds and Waters Call” rides on a gentle bossa nova sway, cushioned by McLemore’s brushes creating a pocket that the pianist exploits. Each song has its own mood, which makes Becoming anything but a slog to listen through. So, while some minor-key darkness is running through “Where the Winds and Waters Call,” “Sound of Summer” is buoyant, bright and funky, yet deep and sophisticated. Here, McLemore uncorks a marvelous drum solo that manages to upstage Gunnlaugs’ lively piano run right before it.
Becoming is vintage Sunna Gunnlaugs, who makes jazz just as revealing to listen to as it is comforting. The art of the trio is alive and well under her leadership.
Sunna Gunnlaugs’ Becoming is available today, from Bandcamp.
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