ATLANTIS

Björn J:son Lindh (1944 - 2013), Swedish composer who played keyboards and flute, has gained his seldom seen PA reviews mostly for the earlier (70's) albums that are quite original jazz-rock/ fusion with folk and world music flavours. Later on he turned more towards sensitive, soothing and NewAgey instrumental music that doesn't seem to raise much interest among prog listeners. So, even though I'm not really a fan or an advanced connoisseur of his output, I'm glad to give a first review for an album which is pretty pleasant in its own right, whether proggy or not.

Atlantis has a Swedish-language subtitle meaning Pictures from an Island. The instrumentation is emphasized on Lindh's piano, synth and flute, but co- musicians include four guitarists -- e.g. Jan Akkerman of Focus and Janne Schaffer --, an alto saxophonist, two bassists and percussionists plus a harmonica player who, I think, plays only on one track. The sonic landscapes are rather romantic and mellow, sometimes even dreamy, and the rock substance is more or less absent.

'Bilder från en ö' is a beautifully moody and melodic piece, and it has more symphonic-like, majestic dynamics than the album as a whole. This one surely would deserve the progressive tag. Leif Strand came to my mind of the serene beginning while the more orchestral latter half surpasses my countryman Anssi Tikanmäki's album classic Maisemakuvia Suomesta. 'Vid horisonten' (Towards the Horizon) is laid-back light jazz with a hint of Pat Metheny. Brief 'Dyningar' focussing on keys and sax is bright and sensual like Vangelis at his softest. The soloing harmonica on the next track is backed by a light lounge groove.

The next two pieces are also very mellow; 'Transea' slightly reminds me of Kitaro, or the NewAgey Austrian artist Gandalf, who in general is a good comparison for the peaceful spirit of this album. And finally 'Atlantis', an 11-minute piece of very delicate, introspective and organic sonic painting full of mysticism. This one gives the biggest attention to flute, which truly sounds beautiful.

If you get easily bored with soft, romantic and New Age flavoured music, Atlantis may be seen as one of Lindh's less recommendable albums, but if you have liked the artists I have mentioned above (or George Winston, Terry Oldfield, etc.) and are perfectly fine with mellowness without much of an edge, you'll enjoy this album.