Shapeshifter is a dynamic jazz album from Swedish bassist/vocalist/composer Jon Henriksson and follows his 2023 debut, Harmonia. Most of the eight original tracks on the album were created primarily for a quartet comprised of Henriksson, Rasmus Sørenson (piano), Jonas Bäckman (drums), and Karl-Martin Almqvist (sax). A few tracks also feature Pelle von Bülow (guitar) and/or Rasmus Holm (trombone). It is interesting to note that Henriksson and Sørenson have collaborated since their days at Skrurups Folkhögskola and that Henriksson is also a longstanding member of Sörenson’s trio. While the pieces reflect a variety of moods and jazz styles, the album flows seamlessly, allowing each of the musicians to shine in their own unique ways. The album’s title, Shapeshifter, reflects Henrikson’s compositional philosophy which includes: “allowing roles, textures, and forms to evolve as the music unfolds.”

Shapeshifter begins with “Toninho,” a tribute to Brazilian guitarist and composer Toninho Horta that features acoustic guitar (Holm) and subtle wordless vocals by Henriksson in addition to the sax, piano, bass and drums - a bright and energetic start! The title track begins as a relaxed piano and bass duet. Sax and drums enter, maintaining an easy groove. Very gradually, the spirits start to rise and the groove becomes stronger and more energetic - quite a transformation and obviously the Shapeshifter title reflects this! “Grönbete” (“Pasture”) features Rasmus Holm on electric guitar in addition to the quartet - lively and upbeat! I couldn’t find a translation for “Saga Nomri Ngen,” but it is by far the shortest piece on the album at just under two minutes. Slow and graceful, it becomes something of an interlude. Full of Brazilian grooves and modern jazz harmonies, “Monkurt” was strongly inspired by guitarist and composer Kurt Rosenwinkel. It includes Holm on electric guitar in addition to the quartet. I really like this one! “Olikheter” begins very smoothly with a strong rhythm behind it. It builds gradually to a more energetic groove, and then smooths and slows to the end with an impressive bass leading the way. I really like this one, too! “Chime Blues” pulls out all the stops for a high-energy romp with Almqvist’s sax leading for the first half of the piece. Sørensen also has a very impressive bass solo, as does Bäckman on drums. The closing track, “Ses vid horisonten,” translates as “See you on the horizon.” Very smooth and peaceful, it begins as a sax and bass duet with light piano and drum accompaniment. Little by little, it builds some momentum, but remains gently melodic and calm to the end.

Shapeshifter will be released on March 20, 2026 as a CD, an MP3 download and on vinyl. It can be pre-ordered on Amazon and Bandcamp in all three formats; and on Apple/iTunes a download. It will also be available on many streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. Check it out!