The collaboration between Norwegian pianist Jan Gunnar Hoff, Dutch bassist Jasper Somsen, and Danish drummer Carsten Lindholm is rooted first and foremost in a deep and genuine friendship. Although the geographical distance between their homes prevents them from meeting every week, they understand one another with the ease of lifelong companions—through a smile, a glance, or a single word. That same intuitive connection defines their music: one gesture, one idea, one note is enough to set the trio into motion. For their second album, the HSL Trio reunited in The Netherlands, where their long conversations over dinners and lunches often flowed directly into the creative process. During one such exchange, the title Human Vibe emerged almost spontaneously. It captures precisely what makes this trio unique: three musicians from different parts of the world, each with his own artistic vibration, finding a shared space where differences spark understanding rather than distance. They challenge one another honestly, listen attentively, and meet every musical turn with openness and joy. This human element also defines their performances, where they share personal stories and invite audiences into their world—turning listeners into participants in the trio’s own Human Vibe.
Guy van Hulst (NL) – excerpt from the album’s liner notes
Great compositions and impressive perfomances. For me this is one of the leading piano trios in Europe now … Stunning!
Wolf Müller (GER)
Jan Gunnar Hoff (NOR) – Piano
Jasper Somsen (NED) – Double Bass
Carsten Lindholm (DEN) – Drums
Album title: Human Vibe
Album release: March 2026 (Challenge Records)
Recorded October 15 & 16, 2025 at Heuvellaan Studio 2, Hilversum (NL)
Recording engineer – Frans de Rond
Producer – Jasper Somsen
Mix & Mastering – Ron Kesteloo & Jasper Somsen
Total time: approx. 41 min.
01 Belmonte (Hoff)
02 Esperança (Mendoza)
03 She Never Has A Window (Mendoza)
04 Change Of Perspective (Somsen)
05 Five O’Clock Somewhere (Lindholm)
06 Morpheus Enchanted (Somsen)
07 Böcklin’s Island (Hoff)
08 Rubalcaba (Somsen)
09 Song For Laila (Lindholm)
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(c) 2025 Hoff/Somsen/Lindholm – photo by Carlos Villarroel (Challenge Records International)