THE ACTION 4s | THE ACTION 4s | May 9, 2025
Denmark’s premiere outlet for forward-thinking modern jazz, April Records proudly presents the debut of a brand new quartet featuring some of Scandinavia and the UK’s most celebrated instrumentalists: Mathias Heise, Anton Eger, Rasmus Sørensen and Conor Chaplin.
‘THE ACTION 4s’ is set for release on May 9th, 2025.
It all started with a simple phone call. When Mathias Heise reached out to Anton Eger with the idea of forming a band, his vision was clear: fresh, high-energy music built on groove, improvisation, and a fearless blending of genres. With the addition of pianist Rasmus Sørensen and bassist Conor Chaplin, THE ACTION 4s was born.
Meeting for the first time on a spring day in 2023, the quartet quickly discovered a natural synergy. Their debut performances that summer were met with resounding acclaim, with Politiken music editor Thomas Michelsen calling them a “supergroup” and awarding their concert at Balders Plads five hearts. Buoyed by their success, the group headed into the studio to record their eponymous debut album.
THE ACTION 4s thrives at the intersection of jazz, rock, funk, fusion, and electronica. Their music is a dynamic interplay of raw energy and masterful artistry, seamlessly blending the acoustic and the electronic. The chromatic harmonica‘s soulful tone meets the rich textures of piano and synthesizer, while the foundation laid by the electric bass and dynamic drumming creates a playful arena for ever-evolving spontaneity. Their compositions pulse with rhythm, melody and interplay, pushing the boundaries of genre and tradition to forge an exciting new direction for Danish jazz.
The quartet brings together four internationally acclaimed musicians, each a master of their craft. Mathias Heise, a virtuoso chromatic harmonica player and accomplished pianist, became a world champion harmonica player at 20 and has since received the Crown Prince Couple’s Stardust Award, the Ben Webster Prize, and recognition from the Danish Arts Foundation. Danish pianist and composer Rasmus Sørensen spent years establishing himself on the New York scene, and is known for his accessible yet innovative sound, earning praise for his debut trio album Traits and follow-up Balancing Act which featured Kendrick Scott. London bassist Conor Chaplin, a sought-after musician with nearly 40 album credits to his name, has performed with Jacob Collier, Jeff Ballard, Ari Hoenig, and Ben Wendel. Completing the lineup is Swedish-Norwegian drummer Anton Eger, a standout figure in European jazz, celebrated for his explosive technique and genre-blending style, earning the Jazz Musician of the Year title at the Danish Music Awards Jazz 2020.
Line up
Mathias Heise | Chromatic Harmonica, Synthesizer
Anton Eger | Drums, Percussion
Rasmus Sørensen | Grand Piano, Keyboards
Conor Chaplin | Electric Bass
Track Listing
The Mikster
Sugaruzd
Drømmeland
Smoothie
IOEDWLTO
Searchlight Theory
Rough Patch
SXL
Eclectic Horizons
PR Quotes
Jazzwise (UK)
“Heise’s dream team shuffle influences from contemporary electronica to retro electric fusion with a pulsating enthusiasm“
Jazz Podium (DE)
“an energy that never collapses but always rises again”
Jazz.sk (SK)
“If you want to enjoy an evening, try this recording instead of the often second-rate TV thrillers: it’s action-packed, high-quality and full of suspenseful images.”
Backseat Mafia (UK)
“music of hidden depths and shifting emotions that will take you to different shorelines each time”
Esensja (PL)
“On “The Actions 4s,” we hear modern jazz, funk, and fusion, with plenty of classical improvisations as well.”
Blue in Green (UK)
“he album’s variety of styles rely on synth-based compositions that veer subtly towards an electronic aesthetic as its backbone and ultimately deliver some outstanding pieces as well.”
Stereophile (US)
“McHenry is an artist with a powerful vision”
Az Samad Lessons (MY)
“there is so much energy and communication within the ensemble… it is contagious.”
Jazz Journal (UK)
“their nine-track debut is a fantastically fun achievement.”
Jazz-fun (DE)
“Guaranteed to keep you entertained!”
All About Jazz (US)
“fluidity and improvisation that radiates energy.”
All About Jazz (US)
“Packed with unpredictable forms, formats, rhythms and moods… yields surprises at each listening”
Era Jazzu (PL)
“The quartet creates a compelling arena for ever-evolving spontaneity, and their compositions pulsate with rhythm, melody, and interplay, pushing the boundaries of genre and tradition to forge an exciting new direction for Danish jazz.”
Jazz.sk (SK)
“I’m keeping my fingers crossed for this formation that this doesn’t happen in the future and that they continue to be a benefit to the European jazz scene for as long as possible! They’ve got it very well done!”
Nettavisen (NO)
“The Action 4s can be a big success around the club and festival scenes I have no doubt. At home they are already a success.”
Jazz Weekly (US)
“filled with a mix of experimentation, passion and propulsion”
Cuttings
