Description

Featuring Josefine Cronholm (vocals), Kirk Knuffke (cornet), Bent Clausen (vibraphone/drums), and Thommy Andersson (double bass).

Name: Near The Pond - Wild Geese (LP)
SKU: WEEC648119
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (288 reviews)

Near The Pond returns with Wild Geese, a mesmerizing blend of jazz, folk, and improvisation inspired by the poetry of 12th-century Japanese poet
Saigyo. Following their critically acclaimed debut, the group–featuring
Josefine Cronholm (vocals/percussion),
Kirk Knuffke (cornet),
Bent Clausen (vibraphone/drums), and
Thommy Andersson (double bass/string arrangements)–continues its exploration of poetic language through music.

The project began when Cronholm discovered Saigyo”s poetry in New York and was deeply moved by its themes of nature, time, and the human condition. Though none of the members speak Japanese, they found ten evocative English translations, setting them to music with their distinctive, immersive sound. Like their first album, which drew from the works of Carl Sandburg, Wild Geese bridges past and present, uniting voices from different centuries and cultures in a seamless, heartfelt expression.

The music blends Nordic minimalism with American folk influences, enriched by intuitive interplay between the musicians. The addition of
Lena Fankhauser and
Marta Potulska (viola) and
Melissa Coleman (cello) enhances the album”s depth, adding a chamber-like quality to its organic, atmospheric soundscapes. Near The Pond embraces improvisation, yet their music remains deeply lyrical, creating a sense of space where words and melodies breathe together.

With Wild Geese, Near The Pond once again finds beauty in simplicity. The album is a testament to the power of music to transcend time and place, carrying the voices of poets and musicians into new, unexpected realms.