The Breakdown
Swedish jazz virtuoso Ebba Åsman returns with When You Know, her third full-length album and arguably her most personal statement to date. Known for her remarkable skills as a trombonist, Åsman takes a bold step forward by putting her voice front and center for the first time. The result is a smoky, melancholic blend of jazz, alternative R&B, indie, and hip-hop beats, wrapped in warm, understated production. Recorded in isolation in the Swedish winter, the album carries a quiet intensity, as if every note was carefully shaped in solitude. It’s a record that both honors jazz traditions and stretches beyond them, experimenting at every turn while maintaining an effortless sense of groove.
Opening track Lately sets the tone beautifully—a slick, soulful number with cascading keys and a melody that lingers long after it ends. Its gentle back-and-forth motion, supported by understated drums and smooth backing vocals, makes for an inviting introduction. When You Know, the title track, slows things down with extended melody lines, highlighting Åsman’s expressive voice alongside sweeping trombone passages. It leans into a downtempo R&B feel, further cementing her ability to blur genre lines while keeping the emotional core intact.
Elsewhere, Did I Go? is taut and precise, with sharp interjections between vocals and trombone that make for an engaging interplay. The clean, polished production ensures every detail shines through, reinforcing Åsman’s meticulous attention to texture. Meanwhile, Time Out stands as one of the album’s high points—a laid-back yet subtly improvisational track that effortlessly ebbs and flows. It exudes a cool confidence, its relaxed groove carrying an undeniable swagger.
Throughout the album, brass arrangements take center stage, particularly on No Answer, which is heavy with layered horns and features a stunning trombone solo. Tracks like Grandma introduce a more unexpected touch, with tight hi-hats and hip-hop-inspired drumming underpinning a melancholic melody. Found You leans fully into an R&B-infused jazz sound, its soulful warmth reminiscent of Sade, while Open Your Eyes is a brief but striking interlude, strutting with understated charm. The closing track, Go On, is a final showcase of Åsman’s instrumental prowess, letting the trombone lead the way in a short but satisfying conclusion.
When You Know is an album of deep moods and careful craftsmanship, a testament to Åsman’s growing confidence as both a musician and a vocalist. While her trombone remains a defining feature, her voice adds a new layer of vulnerability and immediacy to her work. It’s a smooth, modern take on jazz—one that feels both timeless and fresh, refined yet deeply emotive. At just 26, Åsman continues to push the boundaries of jazz on her own terms, and When You Know feels like just the beginning of what she’s capable of.
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