F. Houle/Holmlander Project

Here’s a highly intriguing Canadian/Swedish initiative. Vancouver-based clarinetist François Houle is a spectacular musician whose performances and recordings transcend stylistic borders. Also a composer and bandleader, Houle explores the many facets of modern music—from electronic manipulation to acoustic contemporary chamber music. He has worked alongside Marilyn Crispell, Dave Douglas, and Evan Parker, and with ensembles under the direction of Mauricio Kagel and Iannis Xenakis. Per-Åke Holmlander is arguably the most important tuba player in European new and improvised music. The talented Swede is a member of Barry Guy’s New Orchestra, Peter Brotzmann’s Tentet, Ken Vandermark’s Territory Band, and Fredrik Ljungkvist’s Yun Kan 5. Swedish percussionist Raymond Strid is an important member of the international improvising community, working with Barry Guy, Sten Sandell, Evan Parker, and Joelle Léandre. Strid has the ability to clarify the essence of the music as it develops, creating a sense of space with great subtlety within the most complex of settings, and often holds back where another might blur the details. Vancouver drummer Dylan van der Schyff does it all—inside and outside, sensitive and forceful; he’s an acclaimed figure in the city’s music culture. Swedish trumpeter Magnus Broo combines a wild rhythmic and melodic imagination with sincerity and warmth. He has been collaborating in duo for some time now with his Atomic/School Days colleague, the brilliant Norwegian drummer Paal Nilssen-Love. He’s also worked with Ken Vandermark and Fredrik Nordstrom while leading his own quartet.