Although the liner notes do not mention it, Brunborg was a member of the ground breaking Norwegian band Masqualero that made its debut in 1985 with Nils Petter Molvaer, Jon Balke, Arild Andersen and Jon Christensen. It quickly established Brunborg's name on the Scandinavian music scene, and while he has not exactly thrust himself into the limelight, his reputation as a striking soloist able to fit into both large and small ensembles began to grow. When he became a member of Manu Katché's band, his talent finally seemed in danger of garnering the recognition it deserved. An exceptionally lyrical player with a firm, round and expressive tone, he could well be the next Jan Garbarek. His ACT debut reveals him as an able bandleader, surrounding himself with exceptional musicians who are in tune with his overall group concept. Being able to create a context in which to function as a jazz improviser today is just as important as mastery of an instrument. Going out there with just piano, bass and drums doesn't cut it anymore – it's been done to death. Without a context, you are just another jazz instrumentalist, no matter what your pretensions to greatness. Brunborg's ACT debut succeeds because he has created a meaningful context for his playing, thanks to first-rate contributions by Eivind Aarset who is a master of setting a mood and creating an atmosphere that the saxophonist exploits to powerful effect. Brunborg's previous solo album Scent of Soil with Kirsti Huke was a minor masterpiece; Slow Snow is even better, among the best albums of the last few years.