These straight–ahead sessions led by alto saxophonist Christer Boustedt date from 1982 and ’85; six of the first seven tracks (excluding an alternate take of pianist Åke Johansson’s “One for Billy”) were released on vinyl as Dragon LP 99. Apparently, those from ’85 (a quartet date recorded in concert without trumpeter Bosse Broberg) are only now being released. Boustedt, a dynamic note–spinner whose aggressive but always melodious approach was a synthesis of such acclaimed bopmeisters as Charlie Mariano, Phil Woods, Jackie McLean and Arne Domnérus with footprints of Johnny Hodges also in evidence, died a year after the last of these sessions was recorded. Broberg, his front–line partner on tracks 1–7, was at the time an acolyte of Lee Morgan, Donald Byrd, Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Dorham and other bop–centered trumpeters, but has since gone in other directions. The two are backed by an enterprising rhythm section whose stabilizing influence throughout is rock–solid bassist Ivar Lindell. Johansson, who also wrote “Ramnavägen 55” (all selections on the ’82 session are originals), is an able accompanist and even more impressive soloist, while drummer Gilbert Matthews (whose ethnic background may be other than Swedish) enjoys hammering cymbals and dropping bombs in the manner of an Art Blakey, even though a few of them stray off course (he’s more subdued on the in–concert date). As its name suggests, the album spans the gamut from blues (Boustedt’s “Lonesome Blues for Matti”) and ballads (“One for Billy,” Boustedt’s “Nan,” Billy Strayhorn’s “Lush Life”) to bop (“Ramnavägen 55,” Kurt Lindgren’s “Lady M,” Bird’s “Quasimodo,” Monk’s “Well You Needn’t”), and these gentlemen are quite adept at playing each of them. For those who prefer Jazz that’s well–prepared and flavorsome, here’s a Swedish pastry that’s sure to please.

Contact:Dragon Records, P.O. Box 4068, SE–102, 62 Stockholm, Sweden. Web site, www.dragonrecords.se; e–mail drarec@dragonrecords.se

Track listing: The Heap; Nan; Ramnavägen 55; One for Billy; One for Billy (alternate take); Lady M; Lonesome Blues for Matti; Quasimodo; Lush Life; Well, You Needn’t (73:01).

Personnel: Christer Boustedt, alto saxophone; Bosse Broberg (1–7), trumpet; Åke Johansson, piano; Ivar Lindell, bass; Gilbert Matthews, drums.

Style: Mainstream/Bop/Hard Bop/Cool
Published: May 01, 2001

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