There was no doubt in Snorre Kirk's mind when he first heard clarinetist and saxophonist Giacomo Smith in London. He immediately knew he had met a man on the same musical wavelength. Then, on Giacomo's recommendation, pianist Joe Webb joined the party, and the stage was suddenly set for a change in Snorre Kirk's work and celebrated career as drummer, composer, and bandleader.
The first meetings took place in 2019. The following year, the coronavirus put the music scene on standby, and it wasn't until 2023 that the quartet, which included Giacomo Smith, Joe Webb, Danish bassist Anders Fjeldsted, and Snorre Kirk himself, came together and became what would be his current and permanent primary project.
What A Day! is the first release with the new line-up, and the quartet is complemented on three tracks by Alexander Bouton, who fills the role of rhythm guitarist in the same spirit Freddie Green did with Count Basie's band.
People are listening and like what they hear - Snorre Kirk's music has palpable appeal. Over the years, his popularity has grown, and he often sells out concerts on European stages. His last album, Top Dog, was in the top 20 on JazzWeek's chart of the most played jazz releases on American radio stations in the Spring and Summer of 2024. It held the number one spot for four weeks - a rare honor for a European jazz musician.
Giacomo Smith - alto & soprano sax; Joe Webb - piano; Anders Fjeldsted - double bass; Snorre Kirk - drums; Alexander Honey Boulton - guitar