Gustaf Ljunggren / Emil de Waal | Mikroklima | February 7, 2025

Following the success of their 2023 release ‘Stockholm København’, two of Denmark’s most celebrated musicians in multi-instrumentalist Gustaf Ljunggren and drummer Emil de Waal present their fourth collaborative album.

Expanding on their growing reputation for crafting songs and sounds with masterful senses of subtlety, narrative and capacity to form meaningful connections with their collaborators and audiences alike, ‘Mikroklima’ is set to release on February 7th on April Records.

Emil de Waal has been one of Denmark’s leading drummers for three decades, best known for his work leading ensembles Kalaha and Vente, as well as performing alongside most of the finest names in modern Scandinavian jazz. Gustaf Ljunggren initially studied the saxophone at the Rhythmic Conservatory of Copenhagen, where whispers spread throughout the school that he was the best saxophone player in town and yet never practiced. His career has seen him prove that he can bring grace, musicality and heart to any instrument he touches, from the pedal steel guitar, to the bass, piano, and more.

‘Mikroklima’ is a testament to and celebration of musical growth, community, and the joy of musical gathering. One element that truly sets this album apart, is the bold move of inviting a group of 12 year old school children from a music class into the studio to record alongside Gustaf and Emil. Drawing from years of experience leading music workshops with young musicians, on Mikroklima Ljunggren and de Waal wanted to capture the sound of musicians from different generations and experiences coming together to contribute their ideas to their compositions.

Showcasing Ljunggren’s colorful, comforting, folk-influenced approach to harmony and songwriting alongside de Waal’s distinctive touch on the drums, crafting simplistic yet creative grooves that feel as pleasing and refreshing as they do restrained and purposeful. As each piece unfolds, it becomes more and more apparent how present and communicative the duo are, playing only what the music needs and placing more weight on texture and feeling than soloistic flair.

‘Mikroklima’ is an organic, generous offering that shows Gustaf Ljunggren and Emil de Waal doing what they do best: connecting with music.

Line up

Emil de Waal | Drums, Electronics, Programming and Percussion Gustaf Ljunggren | Electric and Acoustic Guitar, Synthesizers, Fender Rhodes, Bass

Track Listing

Mikroklima
Bolde
Onsdag 2a
Marsh March
Brud
Efter dig
Notholmen
Onsdag 2b
Waaltz
Meeen

PR Quotes

Jazz Journal (UK)
“Simply magical“

Esensja (PL)
“Of the duo’s four releases to date, this one seems the most accessible, embellished with many memorable melodies that move, soothe, make you nostalgic, but also allow you to look to the future with hope.”

Jazz.sk (SK)
“From the sad-lethargic cloudiness, through the sun of joy within us, the individual compositions of the album
Mikroklima are tender sound depictions of what is happening in the sensitive soul of the artist.”

The Letter (UK)
“Charismatic and impressive”

Jazz-fun (DE)
“Beautiful compositions and a masterful interpretation!”

The Aquarian (US)
“The folkloric tinge within presents a whole new set of parameters for a jazz album, “placing more weight on texture and feeling than soloistic flair,” a”

Jazz Views (UK)
“a hopeful reminder that connection and understanding are still possible“

SK Jazz (SK)
“The album Mikroklima is an organic, generous offering that shows Gustaf Ljunggren and Emil de Waal doing what they do best: connecting with music. And that’s a lot these days!”

Jazznyt (DK)
“They have worked with the immediate expression, with the presence and meaning of being in the music. You can hear that. It shines through on the whole album.”

UK Vibe (UK)
“Throughout the whole album the duo incorporate sound techniques that show true skill and intelligence, with effects and sound sculpting effortlessly blended into the mix of the instruments and the feel of the tracks”

Jazzthing (DE)
“Many compositions have the qualities of genuine pop or country songs: wistful harmonies, singable melodies, and tasteful arrangements that unobtrusively reveal the players’ finesse, yet still audible down to the nuances.”

Prog Radar (UK)
“These two incredible musicians have created something organic that truly flows from track to track”

Era Jazzu (PL)
“Presenting a colorful, folk-inspired approach to harmony and composition, together with a perfect sense of drum rhythm, they create simple but creative moods.”

Salt peanuts (DK)
“A nice record that I will have on hand on those days when the sun shines through the windows in the study, or on days when I sit outside with the doors and windows open”

GAFFA (DK)
“Great mix of Americana, ambient and modern jazz”