JANNE SCHAFFER

I have the first five Schaffer albums, and they are all worthy. This first self-titled album is a typical jazz-fusion affair in the style of Jeff Beck circa "Wired" and some of the Larry Coryell stuff coming out around that time. (Perhaps even a little Larry Carlton?) Janne Schaffer is a gifted and varied guitarist, and has a very capable backup band playing drums, bass and piano here (along with other guest musicians).

You'll get a little bit of funk in here, but mostly it's fusion-based guitar-led progressive rock with a little side of Swedish folk songs sprinkled in. And lots of variety in tempo and melody - nothing to bore you here. It's a shame that this Swede's music isn't as well known here in the States as it is back in Scandinavia, but it's still not too late to acquaint oneself...

It's very enjoyable if not entirely original. I'll go a conservative 3-1/2 stars.