Anyone who questions just how far and wide the influence of the blues has become need look no further than this project. Once upon a time it would have seemed absurd to think of four guys from Sweden going back to their 'blues roots.' Yet there's been a strong and vibrant Scandinavian blues scene ever since the so-called 'blues revival' of the sixties. And if further proof is needed, a single listen to this excellent collection ought to convince anyone that Sweden's blues bands are the equal of any.
The gentlemen listed on the disc's cover - Thomas Hammarlund, Sven Zetterberg, Knock-Out Greg, and Thomas Grahn - probably won't be familiar to many readers beyond Sweden's borders. All are veterans, though, with extensive backgrounds. (For the record, Mr. Zetterberg is probably best known, and is considered something of an icon in his native land; Knock-Out Greg is the youngster of the bunch, though he, too, has several recordings under his belt). They're backed here by a revolving cast that includes various members from the bands each normally fronts. But Sweden's a small country, and all have played together at various times over the years. So there's a relaxed camaraderie obvious in every groove, a palpable sense of old friends gathering to make music together.
For this project, each was asked to bring in the songs that have either influenced or are simply among their personal favourites. And here's where it becomes apparent that all are pretty serious students of the blues; with the exception of "Little By Little," all the tunes are lesser-known gems that haven't, thankfully, been done to death. And while the sound here is decidedly retro - thick-toned harp, stinging guitar, stand-up bass, and lots of dirt - each approaches their chosen tunes determined to make 'em their own. So instead of mere imitation we get interpretation, though done in the classic style.
Zetterberg and Hammarlund both contribute vocals and guitar, as do Greg and Grahn, with the latter two also taking turns at harmonica. Additional instrumentation includes standard bass & drums, with some sparkling piano and a bit of sax to round things out. While there are occasional traces of an accent on the vocals, it's always very faint and never distracting.
The overall feel here, again, is 'classic retro,' for lack of a better term. The era is 50's Chicago, with tough, tight grooves and seamless ensemble playing the order of the day. Solos are short and to the point - the extended self-indulgence endemic to the genre these days is notably absent - and performances are absolutely top-notch throughout. And that's why this disc is so appealing. While the review format keeps things interesting over a generous sixteen-song playlist, there's a cohesive and cooperative ethos at work, with everyone collaborating for the good of the whole.
This is an absolutely stellar effort, proof that the blues are indeed a universal language and that there's no borders when it comes to the ability to play 'em convincingly, with both commanding authority and a lot of fun.
Very highly recommended!
CeePeeVee Records
Gotgatan 28, S-118 46 Stockholm, Sweden
Web: www.ceepeeveerecords.se
E-Mail: blues@ceepeeveerecords.se
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