Human Being Human & Chris Cheek | Being | January 16, 2026
Denmark’s forward-thinking trio Human Being Human return with a luminous new collaboration featuring acclaimed American saxophonist Chris Cheek. Rooted in lyricism, groove, and connection, Being captures the essence of what it means to create music as a shared act of humanity.
Being is set for release on January 16th via April Records.
Formed by bassist Torben Bjørnskov, pianist Esben Tjalve, and drummer Frederik Bülow, Human Being Human have quickly earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most distinctive piano trios. Their blend of Nordic lyricism and modern rhythmic vitality has drawn international acclaim for its compositional voice and cohesive ensemble sound.
On Being, the trio expand their world through the unmistakable voice of Chris Cheek – a player known for his warm tone and intuitive lyricism, whose credits include work with Paul Motian, Brad Mehldau, and Charlie Haden. A long-time admirer of Cheek’s work and humility, Bjørnskov reached out and invited him to Denmark to collaborate with the trio. In the studio, the chemistry was undeniable, as most of the album’s tracks were captured in just one or two takes, preserving a sense of immediacy and spontaneity.
Reflecting on what it means to be human, our capacity to make decisions and shape the world around us, as well as the damage our species has done to our planet, the quartet channels a spirit of contemplation and rediscovery through elegant, organic compositions. Tracks like Human Rights showcase the group’s deft interplay and melodic clarity, while the tender ballad Being highlights Cheek’s burnished tone and Tjalve’s spacious harmonic sense. On Filia, a duo between bass and saxophone, the music unfolds in weightless dialogue and pure musical empathy.
True to the group’s name, Being reflects on what it means to live, connect, and create as humans in a complex world. “The essence of music is working together, being open, being positive, and wanting to experience new things,” says Bjørnskov. “That’s essentially what jazz is – it’s influenced by any and every culture in the world, every kind of music and race, and every person is part of it.”
Line up
Torben Bjørnskov | Double Bass Esben Tjalve | Piano
Frederik Bülow | Drums
Chris Cheek | Saxophones
Track Listing
Human Rights
Being
Human Impact
Filia
Human Spirit
Human Nature
Human Instinct
PR Quotes
Downbeat (USA)
“the rhythmic chemistry of pianist Esben Tjalve, drummer Frederik Bülow and Bjørnskov is breathtaking“
Jazzwise (UK)
“a welcoming and engaging slice of chamber jazz that seeks to remind us of the side of humanity that still values kindness and openness”
UK Vibe (UK)
“the trio’s interplay is as tight and confident as ever, yet there’s a sense of reaching further, of letting their music breathe into new spaces”
Rondon Magazine (DE)
“Human Being Human and their American guest sing a quiet ode to human connection”
Action Jazz (FR)
“harmonious and coherent in this ‘Human’ project which will never be too quick to remind us of the need for kindness and open-mindedness for the preservation of humanity.“
Esensja (PL)
“It is often at the intersection of styles and genres that the most interesting cultural phenomena are born”
Blue in Green (UK)
“With the saxophone also adding a captivating new dimension to the Human Being Human aesthetic, Cheek has presented himself as integral to the album’s cohesion which is a testament to his own sensibilities.”
JazzNyt (DK)
“It’s Danish jazz of the finest kind, which gets extra energy from the American Chris Cheek“
Salt Peanuts (DK)
“a comprehensive and fine release”
JazzNu (NL)
“a magnificent piece of music in which the group as a whole displays great emotional expressiveness“
Jazzthing (DE)
“Bassist Torben Bjørnskov, pianist Esben Tjalve, and drummer Frederik Bülow aim to generate an act of humanity with “Being,” and they truly succeed”
All About Jazz (USA)
“Cheek enriches the trio’s melodic foundation while letting each track breathe and unfold organically”
Jazzthetik (DE)
“A beautiful, lyrically subtle recording”
Jazz.in (JP)
“a work that evokes a strong sense of shared emotion and the realization of a dream“
Jazz Journal (UK)
“lucidly conceived and superbly delivered programme that is the spiritually charged Being. Enjoy!“
Lira (SE)
“the trio and their guest have created a wonderful album.”
JazzTrail (USA)
“Human Being Human presents a highly musical palette, further elevated by Cheek’s confident style throughout the set”
Jazz Views (UK)
“Space matters here, and the band knows exactly when to leave it alone — a choice that gives the music its shape long after the last note fades.”
Jazz.sk (SK)
“In every note, in every breath of the album Being, deep reflections on the state of society and the place of individuality within it are encoded“
Jazz-fun (DE)
“an album based on lyricism, groove, and mutual connection—and it is precisely there that it finds the essence of jazz as a collective, human form of expression“
Cuttings
