Time Is A Blind Guide

Time Is A Blind Guide is the acoustic ensemble led by Norwegian drummer and composer **Thomas Strønen**, known for its blend of jazz, chamber music, and subtle rhythmic experimentation. Formed in 2013, the group first appeared on record with the self‑titled album *Time Is A Blind Guide* on ECM, developed after a couple of years of live performances and written specifically for this constellation of musicians. The name comes from the opening line of Anne Michaels’ 1996 novel *Fugitive Pieces*, and it fits the band’s aesthetic: lyrical, melodic music where time feels fluid, stretched, and quietly subverted.

Over the years the ensemble has evolved from a larger percussion‑rich lineup into a more streamlined acoustic group, settling into a quintet with Ayumi Tanaka on piano, Håkon Aase on violin, Leo Svensson Sander (previously Lucy Railton) on cello, and Ole Morten Vågan on double bass alongside Strønen’s drums. Across albums like the debut *Time Is A Blind Guide*, the follow‑up *Lucus*, and the later *Off Stillness*, they’ve carved out a sound that sits somewhere between modern jazz and contemporary classical – singable melodies, lots of space, and intricate rhythms that are felt more than overtly stated. It’s the kind of band that rewards close listening, but still feels warm and inviting even if you’re just letting the music wash over you.