Peter Asplund 'In One Breath': Nordic Jazz at Its Finest

Peter Asplund's 'In One Breath' is a masterclass in Scandinavian jazz, pairing his lyrical trumpet with vocalist Emmalisa Hallander and pianist Lars Jansson across eight original compositions. The result is a cohesive, orchestral-sounding jazz album that balances melodic beauty with emotional depth.

Lyrical Jazz Craftsmanship from Sweden's Nordic Jazz Scene

On his eleventh album, Asplund adds eight new originals to what he proudly calls 'my own standards,' continuing a tradition of melody-first jazz rooted in the Nordic jazz aesthetic. Vocalist Emmalisa Hallander brings warmth and precision to the love-themed lyrics, while Lars Jansson's delicate piano touch gives the music an intimate, chamber-like quality. Despite the quartet format, the music achieves a rare orchestral breadth — expansive but never overreaching.

Key Takeaways

In One Breath stands out as a finely crafted jazz album where melody, voice, and improvisation are held in perfect balance. It is essential listening for fans of European jazz and Scandinavian jazz artistry.

Author: Dan Backman

Source: Orkesterjournalen

Published: September 18, 2026