Audiopile Review: Norwegian imprint Jazzagression links up with the one-man spiritual jazz project Organic Pulse Ensemble for a limited 10” EP release, a linkup so seamless that we’re a bit shocked that this hasn’t happened yet. If you’ve been reading our weekly emails, there’s a good chance you already know the score, but here’s a quick overview for those just checking in—Organic Pulse Ensemble is made up solely of Swedish multi-instrumentalist Gustav Horneij, who has been on a hot streak of unmissable spiritual jazz releases for top shelf labels like RR GEMS and Ultraääni since he first appeared in 2019. The bite-sized Bamboo Noodles doesn’t deviate from the path, but what it does do is solidify Horneij’s status as one of thee great contemporary jazz composers. We’re actually a bit stumped to come up with any other contemporary who can ably play a plethora of instruments and piece them together in such inventive, intricate and fluid ways. “Instant” gets things going with a Mingus big band swing meeting Moondog-style primitive percussion, moving on to the snaky Eastern groove of “Udon”, while “Deepest Bowl” ascends skyward with shimmering bells and wistful flutes, and “Picante Beef” is most impressive of all with intertwining solos that worm their way through life-affirming modal grooves. Like most Organic Pulse releases, this one is a limited, hand-numbered edition of 500.

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“Like many others, we’ve been following the one-man spiritual jazz phenomenon that is Gustav Horneij. Just like our contemporaries at labels we admire — RR GEMS, Ultraääni, and others — we knew it was only a matter of time.

Imagine jamming with yourself: start with drums and bass, get that backbone locked in. Then layer on the melodies — reeds, flute, strings — one by one. Overdubbing while listening back, tweaking, repeating:
“Nope… that didn’t work… okay, try again… now we’re getting somewhere.”

For timeless hours, Gustav immerses himself in instrument after instrument — playing each in his own way, feeling out what sticks and what doesn’t.
It’s total expression — many voices within one player.

Now, six albums in, we’ve got an EP with four deep cuts composed around his bamboo flutes:
“Instant,” “Udon,” “The Deepest Bowl,” and “Picante Beef.”
The title? Bamboo Noodles — a low-carb alternative maybe, but don’t get it twisted: all the flavors and inspirations are here.

Eastern vibes. Infectious bass lines. Distant harp textures. Melodic licks.
It’s been my personal soundtrack lately — and we think you’ll dig it too.

Pressed as a limited edition 10-inch vinyl — 500 copies only, individually numbered and plastic-sealed. Cut at 45 RPM for maximum detail, sweet highs, and less groove distortion.”