SISSEL

I love J:son Lindh's music and early 70's albums. At least that is true in parts. The whole jazz rock scene of the early 70's and late 60's fills me with gladness. The mix of jazz sensibilities and rock music results in a very enthralling combination of genres really not that far apart, yet still different.

J:son Lindh and Jan Schaffer are two of my favorite musicians from Sweden, though their musical output not always fits my taste but when it does it suits me in a splendid way. "Sissel" is the fourth album by Lindh and in my opinion his best. The combination of jazz, rock, prog and jams is excellent, really. Though the musicianship is flawless the result is a good but non-essential piece of vinyl.

The two tracks which I listen to the most are "Bull dog" and "Storpolska". They are simply irresistable pieces of music and jazz rock at it's finest moments. "Storpolska" is a mix of rock, swedish folk and jazz all rolled up in one amazing stew of thundering musicianship, energy and inspiration. I love that track and rate it with five (5) stars while "Bull dog" is a certified four (4). The remaining tracks are good, just not that explosive and splendid.

Conclusion: "Sissel" is a really good example of (swedish) jazz rock and holds moments of genius. The musicianship leaves nothing to be desired, though the album as a whole is not up to par with the two magnificent "Bull dog" and "Storpolska". If you are able to get a hold of this album, buy it and give it a try. It's worth every penny and I am waiting for it to be released as a CD along with the others of Lindh's 70's output.

Bjorn J:Son Lindh was a multi-instrumentalist from Sweden, my only experience with his music is with his 1971 release called "Fran Storstad Tili Grodspad" which is excellent and a solid 4 star album. Two albums later we have "Sissel" released in 1973 and it's a big step down in my opinion from the earlier album I just mentioned. Biggest difference is having Jan Schaffer on board playing guitar, and the guy can play. Jan actually was also on the debut album of Sweden's ABLUTION released the same year. The two 9 plus minute songs are very good but I could do without the rest so 3 stars seems about right here.

Bull Dog" has this bluesy guitar sound as the flute plays over top and the bass and drums support. Not really into this. "Surto's Pyle'as" features two guest drummers in Turkey's own Okay Temiz and Jon Christensen from the ECM label. Seems like a waste to be honest as both play percussion and drums. Some sax 1 1/2 minutes in replacing the flute which is back quickly in this whimsical sounding track.

"Storpolska" has some orchestration and sax helping out. Some old school sounding flute to start like from the middle ages. Drums, bass and more join in then the flute changes it's tone. It's pretty funky before 1 1/2 minutes as it changes again. The guitar starts to light it up but then the flute returns. So much going on. The sax leads before 5 minutes. Great sound here then the guitar is back around 7 minutes. Nice bass here as well.

"Your Own House" opens with a catchy beat that builds in sound as bass and more join in. Flute comes to the fore quickly. "Sissel" is my favourite. Piano, percussion, bass and flute stand out early. Sax too as it settles into a groove before a minute with flute over top. I like it! Some intensity to this track. The sax leads after 3 1/2 minutes and it will get dissonant at times. The guitar leads after 6 1/2 minutes and he will light it up until the flute returns before 8 1/2 minutes. "Games People Play" is a Joe South cover and a disappointing way to end the album.

Some nice highs to this one but for my tastes this is simply an alright album but not one I'll probably return to.