Biography
Hailing from Sweden, the vanguard jazz quartet Goran Kajfeš Tropiques surfaced in the twenty-first century under the direction of trumpeter, synthesist, and composer Goran Kajfeš. Its electro-acoustic approach fuses post-bop, free improvisation, modal exploration, and elements of classical and folk music into a singular blend. The ensemble took shape in 2011 when Kajfeš received a commission to create and present original music for a live performance by the modernist Swedish dance troupe Vindhäxor. Its roster, unchanged since formation, comprises Kajfeš alongside keyboardist Alex Zethson, double bassist Johan Berthling, and drummer Johan Holmegard.
At first the musicians confined themselves to concerts, given the heavy commitments each maintained as bandleaders and studio contributors. Recording waited until 2017, when the fifty-minute, one-movement Enso appeared on Kajfeš’s own Headspin Recordings imprint. Limited circulation notwithstanding, the release drew widespread critical approval abroad.
Two years afterward the same label issued the widely praised Into the Wild, which featured guest clarinetist and saxophonist Christer Bothén. Fellow countryman, saxophonist, and bandleader Mats Gustafsson supplied the album’s liner notes. The group maintained an active touring schedule through the remainder of that year before pandemic restrictions imposed isolation. Activity resumed with European dates in 2022 and U.S. appearances in 2023. In May 2024 the quartet delivered its third album, Tell Us, marking the ensemble’s first release on WeJazz and incorporating guest contributions from cellist Leo Svensson Sander and violinist Josefin Runsteen.
At first the musicians confined themselves to concerts, given the heavy commitments each maintained as bandleaders and studio contributors. Recording waited until 2017, when the fifty-minute, one-movement Enso appeared on Kajfeš’s own Headspin Recordings imprint. Limited circulation notwithstanding, the release drew widespread critical approval abroad.
Two years afterward the same label issued the widely praised Into the Wild, which featured guest clarinetist and saxophonist Christer Bothén. Fellow countryman, saxophonist, and bandleader Mats Gustafsson supplied the album’s liner notes. The group maintained an active touring schedule through the remainder of that year before pandemic restrictions imposed isolation. Activity resumed with European dates in 2022 and U.S. appearances in 2023. In May 2024 the quartet delivered its third album, Tell Us, marking the ensemble’s first release on WeJazz and incorporating guest contributions from cellist Leo Svensson Sander and violinist Josefin Runsteen.
Albums