Featuring Josefine Cronholm (vocals), Kirk Knuffke (cornet), Bent Clausen (vibraphone/drums), and Thommy Andersson (double bass).

Near The Pond returns with Wild Geese, a mesmerizing blend of jazz, folk, and improvisation inspired by the poetry of 12th-century Japanese poet Saigyo. Following their critically acclaimed debut, the group–featuring Josefine Cronholm (vocals/percussion), Kirk Knuffke (cornet), Bent Clausen (vibraphone/drums), and Thommy Andersson (double bass/string arrangements)–continues its exploration of poetic language through music.

The project began when Cronholm discovered Saigyo’s poetry in New York and was deeply moved by its themes of nature, time, and the human condition. Though none of the members speak Japanese, they found ten evocative English translations, setting them to music with their distinctive, immersive sound. Like their first album, which drew from the work