Energetic contemporary jazz and intricate compositions cloaked in pop-like simplicity lead the way in the latest release from Danish pianist Morten Schantz and his trio, out on April Records. 'Passenger' - their third studio album - revels in exploring both the familiar and the unexpected, offering a modern jazz extension to the iconic Scandinavian piano trio sound. Rooted in thoughtful songwriting, the album moves seamlessly from comforting harmony of folk and pop music to extended passages of energetic virtuosic improvisation, propulsive syncopated riffs, and attitude-infused bluesy bass-lines. Taken as a whole, Morten's compositional skill creates a series of songs which can feel more like a mini-suite with their labyrinthine hooks and through-composed sensibility. Continuing in the vein of the ensemble's critically acclaimed 2014 release Unicorn and Morten's 2017 release Godspeed (Edition Records), the group's palette is extended with the inclusion of horns, percussion, and Ondes Martenot. Their 15 years of performing together can be heard through the ease in which they weave through their rich array of influences. The three musicians are highly active on the Danish and worldwide music scenes, each with impressive reputations and accolades under their belts. Drummer Janus Templeton was awarded the Grammy for 'Jazz Album of the Year' in 2007, Bassist Morten Ankarfeldt has released over 60 albums across his career, and Morten Schantz himself has been awarded the prestigious Young Nordic Jazz Comets, numerous compositional grants from the Danish Arts Council, and been nominated for two Danish Music Awards.
Release date:
December 9, 2022
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Grant-Lee Phillips In the Hour of Dust (Signed; Clear Golden Smoke)
Yep Roc Records
September 5, 2025 -
Tom Odell A Wonderful Life
Urok
September 5, 2025 -
The Lowdown Alpha Omega (Grey)
Code 7 UK
July 11, 2025 -
Jordan Davis Learn The Hard Way [2xLP]
Mca Nashville
August 15, 2025 -
W.A.S.P. THe Headless Children Half-Speed Master
Madfish
August 8, 2025 -
Celeste Woman Of Faces
Capitol
October 10, 2025 -
Daniel Rodriguez Harboring Pearls
A Tone Meant Records
August 8, 2025 -
Craig David Commitment [2xLP]
Believe Recordings
August 8, 2025 -
Newton Faulkner OCTOPUS (White)
Cooking Vinyl
September 19, 2025 -
James K Friend [2xLP]
AD 93
September 5, 2025 -
Mono Inc Darkness
No Cut
August 15, 2025 -
The Smashing Pumpkins Machina (25th Anniversary) [2xLP]
Virgin Records
August 22, 2025 -
Alex Warren You’ll Be Alright, Kid (Amazon Exclusive) [2xLP]
Atlantic
July 18, 2025 -
Natalie Bergman My Home Is Not In This World
Third Man Records
July 18, 2025