Icelandic jazz improvising pianist and composerIngi Bjarni Skulason: "Last summer, I had the opportunity to perform eight original compositions at the Reykjavik Jazz Festival in Iceland as part of a quartet featuring Hilmar Jensson (Iceland) on guitar, Magnus Trygvason Eliassen (Iceland) on drums, and Anders Jormin (Sweden) on bass. Anders Jormin (ECM) is a highly respected and internationally acclaimed bass player, known for his innovative approach and versatility as a performer and composer. Hilmar and Magnus are experts in their field and central to the Icelandic jazz scene. "As a result of this successful Icelandic-Swedish collaboration, we decided to go into the studio and record the same compositions, the results of which are heard on this album titled, 'Hope.'

"The music, which I composed specifically for this ensemble, allows for both lyrical and free improvisation and received positive feedback from both the audience and critics at the Reykjavik Jazz Festival. Icelandic critic Jonas Sen stated:"The four played as one, as if they had played together for years. This was brilliant! Bottom line: Inspired compositions and performance." - Ingi Bjarni (September 2024)

Ingi Bjarni Skulason: piano

Hilmar Jensson: guitar

Anders Jormin: bass

Magnus Trygvason Eliassen: drums