Joel Lyssarides Trio

Alongside bassist Niklas Fernqvist and drummer Rasmus Blix, Joel Lyssarides has forged a crystalline, instantly recognizable sound — one where substance, depth and emotion outweigh spectacular concepts and pure virtuosity.

Lyssarides comes out of the Swedish tradition of prominent jazz pianists, but left stylistic and genre boundaries behind long ago. In recent years he has moved freely between musical contexts: as a pianist alongside Nils Landgren, in the e.s.t. tribute project with Dan Berglund and Magnus Öström, and most recently at Fasching in a specially written project for piano, trombone and strings — a nod to the jazz classic With Strings. He has also composed for pop productions and video games.

But it's around his own trio that the heart of Lyssarides' music lies. The trio's latest album, Late on Earth, took shape over more than four years in close collaboration with producer Andreas Brandis, recorded at the legendary Bauer Studios. The process led Lyssarides to let go of the idea of perfection and take bigger musical risks.

"Andreas encouraged me to take risks and let go of the idea of perfection. It's often the small imperfections that make music come alive," Lyssarides says.

The result is his most personal and honest album to date — and the first to include songs in a major key.