Jon Henriksson | Shapeshifter | March 20, 2026

April Records proudly presents the new album from Stockholm-based bassist and composer Jon Henriksson – a confident and flexible statement that deepens his place within contemporary Scandinavian jazz. Following the success of his 2023 debut Harmonia which placed second in Orkesterjournalen’s “Golden Album” readers’ poll, Henriksson returns with music that foregrounds collective interplay, shifting forms, and a strong compositional voice.

Shapeshifter is set for release on March 20th, 2026 via April Records.

Born in Gothenburg and now active across Sweden and Europe, Henriksson has collaborated and toured with artists including Lars Jansson, Håkan Broström, Erik Söderlind, Klas Lindquist, Jonas Kullhammar and Christina von Bülow. Alongside leading his own ensembles, he remains a sought-after bassist in a wide range of projects, balancing a deep connection to the jazz tradition with a modern, exploratory approach.

Shapeshifter is built around a core quartet of tenor saxophone, piano, double bass and drums, expanded with guitar on three tracks and trombone on two. The album moves fluidly between contrasting moods, from forceful and driving to reflective and restrained, with each piece shaped by the musicians’ intuition and responsiveness. The title reflects Henriksson’s compositional philosophy: allowing roles, textures, and forms to evolve as the music unfolds.

The ensemble brings together long-standing musical relationships. Pianist Rasmus Sørensen and Henriksson have collaborated since their studies at Skurups Folkhögskola (Henriksson is a longstanding member of Sørensen’s own trio), while drummer Jonas Bäckman forms part of a well-established rhythm section partnership with the bassist across numerous projects including the Britta Virves Trio. Saxophonist Karl-Martin Almqvist, a member of the Danish Radio Big Band, completes the quartet, with guitarist Pelle von Bülow and trombonist Rasmus Holm joining the session shortly before recording to expand the album’s sonic palette where the music called for it.

Originally conceived as a quartet album, Shapeshifter took its final shape in the lead-up to recording as additional instrumental colours were introduced organically. The piece Toninho, a tribute to Brazilian guitarist and composer Toninho Horta, features acoustic guitar and subtle wordless vocals, reflecting melodic influences that sit naturally within the album’s contemporary jazz framework.

Across the record, space, pacing, and interaction remain central. Rather than forcing constant motion, the music allows ideas to develop with clarity and intent, resulting in an album that highlights Henriksson’s growing assurance as a composer and bandleader, while keeping the collective at its core.

Line up

Track Listing

Toninho
Shapeshifter
Grönbete
Saga Nomri Ngen
Monkurt
Olikheter
Chime Blues
Ses vid horisonten

PR Quotes

Jazzwise (UK)
“Henriksson leads from the low end here, his supple lines driving expansive originals that leave space for Karl-Martin Almqvist’s sax and Pelle von Bülow’s guitar to joust amicably“

Paris-move (FR)
“the beauty of the images it imposes on us is striking”

SK Jazz (SK)
“it flows very pleasantly over time, returning us to the calm waters of fusion jazz, which is nevertheless anchored in tradition. Absolute well-being while listening is guaranteed”

Jazz Views (UK)
“the group plays with precision and ease, and even in its quietest passages, the interplay is engaging — subtle shifts, small exchanges, and phrasing that rewards attention”

Esensja (PL)
“It’s hard to imagine a better, more appetite-inducing conclusion.”

Blue in Green (UK)
“It’s a lush harmony that accentuates trust between its players and which formally introduces Henriksson amongst the April top tier..”

Jazzism (NL)
“Listening to Shapeshifter offers a beacon in turbulent times.“

All That.. (DK)
“fasten your seatbelt and take off above the clouds with the good vessel ‘Shapeshifter.”

Jazz-fun (DE)
“Shapeshifter is an album full of subtle transitions, musical intelligence and Nordic sensibility – modern, open and crafted with impressive maturity“

Jazz Journal (UK)
“a strong album that highlights Henriksson’s growing assurance as a composer and bandleader“

Jazzthing (DE)
“Henriksson’s strength lies in his compositions, in which roles, textures and forms can unfold freely in all directions—an aspect that, in today’s jazz, is far too rarely appreciated”

JazzLife (JP)
“a dramatic and cinematic musical landscape, bringing poetry to life through sound”

All About Jazz (US)
“he has narrowed his style and made a coherent effort with Shapeshifter”

JazzNu (NL)
“This Swede writes surprisingly beautiful pieces that embrace the Scandinavian atmosphere while also being firmly rooted in bebop with drive, power, and swing”

Donos (PL)
“Listening to “Shapeshifter,” I find myself realizing that this titular “shapeshifting” also applies to me, my mood, my pace of thought, and my way of reacting”

UK Vibe (UK)
“he not only deepens his own artistic voice but affirms the enduring strength of a musical community built on collaboration, history, and a shared instinct for where the music might go next”

Valonkuvia (FI)
“Shapeshifter ” is a rewarding album“