JAN LUNDGREN - The Ystad Concert
ACT Records 9814-2
Jan Lundgren (pno) Mattias Svensson (bs) with The Bonfiglioli Weber String Quartet
Classically trained pianist and founder of the Swedish Jazz Festival Jan Lundgren epitomizes the critically acclaimed European approach to small group jazz. With almost fifty albums released to date, his precise, delicate yet dynamic approach to the instrument has attracted five star reviews from around the world. The programme for this live festival performance from Ystad comprises sixteen examples of Swedish, Russian and Hungarian folk songs mostly associated with the late pianist Jan Johansson. The recording is in tribute to this trail blazing forerunner of the style who after selling a quarter of a million albums sadly died in a car accident at the age of only thirty seven. The leader is joined by long term compatriot Mattias Svensson on double bass, who is a leader and composer in his own right and learned his craft at The New York School for Jazz and Contemporary Music alongside Gary Peacock, Eddie Gomez and Reginald Workman. Giving the overall sound greater depth and atmosphere are the world renowned Bonfiglioli Weber String Quartet from Vienna.
It is clear from the enthusiastic reaction heard on the disc that the audience both approved of the musical interpretations and were also familiar with the songs, the titles of which somewhat understandably are shown in their own language on the liner notes. Most of the pieces are brief vignettes of beautiful enchanting melodies played respectfully and deeply routed in their own countries tradition. The interplay between the piano and bass is stunning at times riding above the strings but the opportunity for improvisation seems limited by the form and duration of the compositions. It is only on the leaders self penned "Lycklig Resa" and the Jan Johansson's album closer "Har Kommer Pippi Langstrump" that formality is set aside and the high creativity of the two lead musicians is brought to the fore.
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
ACT Records 9814-2
Jan Lundgren (pno) Mattias Svensson (bs) with The Bonfiglioli Weber String Quartet
Classically trained pianist and founder of the Swedish Jazz Festival Jan Lundgren epitomizes the critically acclaimed European approach to small group jazz. With almost fifty albums released to date, his precise, delicate yet dynamic approach to the instrument has attracted five star reviews from around the world. The programme for this live festival performance from Ystad comprises sixteen examples of Swedish, Russian and Hungarian folk songs mostly associated with the late pianist Jan Johansson. The recording is in tribute to this trail blazing forerunner of the style who after selling a quarter of a million albums sadly died in a car accident at the age of only thirty seven. The leader is joined by long term compatriot Mattias Svensson on double bass, who is a leader and composer in his own right and learned his craft at The New York School for Jazz and Contemporary Music alongside Gary Peacock, Eddie Gomez and Reginald Workman. Giving the overall sound greater depth and atmosphere are the world renowned Bonfiglioli Weber String Quartet from Vienna.
It is clear from the enthusiastic reaction heard on the disc that the audience both approved of the musical interpretations and were also familiar with the songs, the titles of which somewhat understandably are shown in their own language on the liner notes. Most of the pieces are brief vignettes of beautiful enchanting melodies played respectfully and deeply routed in their own countries tradition. The interplay between the piano and bass is stunning at times riding above the strings but the opportunity for improvisation seems limited by the form and duration of the compositions. It is only on the leaders self penned "Lycklig Resa" and the Jan Johansson's album closer "Har Kommer Pippi Langstrump" that formality is set aside and the high creativity of the two lead musicians is brought to the fore.
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
