Adam Forkelid / Henning Ullén

One late October evening in 2024, Adam Forkelid sat down at the Fazioli grand piano in Krematoriet – the former funeral chapel at Stureby Hospital – a place that has become his musical home. There, in front of a listening and reverent audience, he recorded Dreams – an album marked by stillness, spaciousness, and intimate presence.

Now Dreams is being released as Forkelid’s first solo piano album, celebrated with this unique release concert at the Stockholm Jazz Festival. The music moves fluidly between improvisation and composition, between the dreamlike and the concrete. Echoes of Keith Jarrett and Fred Hersch can be heard, as well as Nordic chamber jazz and impressionistic soundscapes.

For over two decades, Adam Forkelid has been a vital voice in Swedish jazz, known for his sensitive playing and his ability to create atmospheres that linger long after the final note has faded. In Dreams, we encounter him in his most stripped-down and personal form – alone at the piano, yet in close dialogue with the space, the audience, and the moment.

“Adam Forkelid is the perfect musical synthesis between Joe Zawinul regarding his solo career as a pianist and Wayne Shorter; like them, he possesses an immense musical culture and stands as a visionary.” — paris-move.com

“A remarkable breakthrough … reminds me of early Chick Corea.” — tomhull.com

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Henning Ullén is an award-winning pianist and composer primarily active in jazz and improvisational music. Henning is the son of internationally recognized pianist and composer Lisa Ullén. He studied at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, Berklee College of Music, and the conservatory in Paris (CNSDMP). Henning Ullén was one of Sweden’s most promising and acclaimed young jazz trumpeters when he had to end his trumpet career in 2019 due to a rare disease that caused dizziness and headaches in connection with playing the trumpet. He then quickly transitioned to the piano and released his first album, Debut, in 2021. Märet Öman commented Henning’s musical journey in the program P1 Kultur (SR): ”Switching instruments from trumpet to piano in just two years shows tremendous musicality. Henning’s piano playing is organic, the breath and phrasing in his playing make it evident that he is originally a brass musician. His music has drive, direction, and instills hope. His touch reminds me of a classically trained musician, soft but distinct and personal. It brings to mind Lars Janson or Esbjörn Svensson.”

Lineup:
Adam Forkelid - Piano
Henning Ullén - Piano