Per Henrik Wallin Trio: The Stockholm Tapes

The Stockholm Tapes include two '70s recordings by the Per Henrik Wallin Trio in Stockholm. The first two tracks, "E.V." and "Wuppertal," come from a 1977 concert at Kagelbanan, while the final two improvisations, "A Jive in July," and "This Time Is Next Time Now," come from a 1975 concert at Jazz Club Fasching. As with last year's excellent release, Burning in Stockholm, the jazz here is loosely structured, with an intrinsic concern for dynamic interactions producing a dense and joyous feel. There's plenty of rhythmic and melodic tension that builds on these improvisations—with the release portion of their process coming in either measured or careful steps, as on "E.V." and "Wuppertal," or in more sudden drops, as with the raucous "A Jive in July."

Alto saxophonist Lars-Göran Ulander and drummer Peter Olsen share plenty of the soloing responsibilities with the leader, making for an album of greater hues and contrasts. Ulander is wild, unabashed by his superior technique, and unafraid to wail when the urge and pace require it. Olsen maneuvers the trio with various rhythmic controls and textures that highlight his abilities as well as those of Wallin and Ulander.

The leader, for his part, is a rhythmic and melodic daredevil, speeding thorough several solos with remarkable skill and taste. Perhaps underappreciated here in the United States, Per Henrik Wallin is clearly rooted in an American tradition of jazz, a swing and a bop clearly discernable in his stunts. His music is more "out" than "in," and this may put off some listeners, but there is no denying the range of his sound, the latitude of his joy, and the all-out, infectious effort his mates reciprocate.

For a live recording, the fidelity on The Stockholm Tapes is quite good. None of the instruments are lost in the mix, making for an enjoyable and exciting set of songs.