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Nils Petter Molvær is one of the most prominent performers within an electroacoustic jazz hybrid that has, since the 1990s, become a genre all of its own. In this domain, sometimes referred to as ‘future jazz’ or ‘nu jazz’, the Norwegian composer is both a pioneer and a veteran having been one of the first jazz musicians to embrace the new digital and electronica tendencies at the turn of the century. With his signature sound that brings together poignant trumpet and dynamic electronic soundscapes, Molvær has achieved heavyweight status for showing a path forward for the genre in a new age, a path which, faithful to jazz’ past, remains cool all the way. His new release, Stitches, is no different. Unafraid to explore new sounds and emotions, Molvær once again shows us that not only jazz has a future, but one that is both bright and exciting. Beyond trumpeter and composer, Molvær is also a seasoned bandleader with an aptitude for choosing the finest musicians to make up his many musical teams, and providing them with just the right mix of framework and flexibility that enhances each of their individual skills as well as the project’s overall vision. For Stitches the trumpeter collaborates with drummer Erland Dahlen, bassist Jo Berger Myhre and guitarist Johan Lindstrøm, first in-person at Ocean Sound Recordings on the island of Giske, in his native Norway, and later, when the pandemic broke out, the conversations and musical exchanges had to be transposed online. Despite the sudden shift in their mode of interaction, the material on Stitches suffered no harm with spontaneity and fluidity continuing to be at the heart of the compositions – such is the four musician’s musical intimacy and synergy. Stitches was later sewn together and mixed by Jon Marius Aareskjold and Molvær himself at Kysten Studio in Tromsø.