Belgian guitarist Julien Tassin joins forces with saxophonist Erwin Vann and drummer Jean-Marc Butty for Northern Light, an instrumental composition drawing together contemporary jazz, folk, ambient and experimental music. The track introduces their collaborative album Inner Forest, produced by John Parish, whose previous credits include PJ Harvey and Eels.
Opening with delicate nylon-string guitar, Northern Light establishes a warm, intimate atmosphere. Tassin’s melodic playing feels natural and unhurried, with each phrase given room to develop. Woodwind gradually enters the arrangement, introducing complementary melodic lines and subtle harmonic textures. There’s a distinctly pastoral quality to the music, with folk influences emerging alongside the more exploratory jazz elements.
As the composition unfolds, deep, resonant percussion introduces a stronger rhythmic presence, gradually expanding the arrangement without disturbing its gentle character. The interplay between guitar, woodwind and drums is particularly effective, with balanced harmonies and an organic sense of movement. Rich in texture yet spacious, Northern Light is an engaging and thoughtfully arranged piece of contemporary instrumental music.
Inner Forest is scheduled for release on 27 November 2026 through Igloo.
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Julien Tassin, Erwin Vann & Jean-Marc Butty – Northern Light: YouTube · Spotify