A NEW ensemble devoted to creative and spiritual improvised music. Kajfeš and Gustafsson have had the urge and need for years to put a smaller ensemble together for music formed by compositional works and improvised freer Jazz. Numerous collaborations in larger ensembles such as Fire! Orchestra has opened up for possibilities to work in a smaller context. Our hero and master Christer Bothén has laid the fundaments for us to build on. Original material by Kajfeš, Gustafsson and Bothén is mixed with compositional works by Don Cherry, Codona and Frank Lowe in a unique mix of music originating from Mali hunters music, Moroccan Gnawa traditions, Swedish folk music, South American percussive actions, free improvised music and Free Jazz + more….. The roots are forwards. And Backwards. Music is NOW! (Pressetext)

Cosmic Ear’s debut album, TRACES, is a bold, spiritual statement in modern jazz. It doesn’t merely honour Don Cherry; it channels his legacy through a lush mix of global rhythms, meditative improvisation, and avant-garde instrumentation. With seasoned Scandinavian players like Christer Bothén and Mats Gustafsson, the ensemble crafts a sound rooted in history yet forward-looking. ‘Father and Son’ is a spellbinding opener, unfolding with hypnotic bass and wind textures that evoke a meditative trance. It sets a reflective mood that blends spacey, cosmic textures with a warm, personal feel. ‘Love Train’, a reimagining of Don Cherry’s 1974 piece, carries a deeply emotional current, melding spiritual depth with modern sensibilities. It’s as much a homage as it’s a reinvention. The album’s adventurous instrumentation, including donso n’goni, berimbau, and live electronics, infuses every moment with texture and intent. TRACES is not just a jazz record; it’s a conversation across time and continents. It feels timeless, urgent, and spiritually resonant, a landmark debut that rewards every listen. (Pressetext)