Lars Erstrand Quatret “Dream Dancing.” LP 180 gram New release 2022.

Lars Erstrand Quatret “Dream Dancing.” LP 180 gram New release 2022.

After three successful recordings for Opus 3, here he is again, this time with his newly formed quartet! Also featured on this recording is one of Sweden’s best keyboard players, Kjell Öhman, playing both the piano and last but not least, the legendary Hammond B3 organ! Lars Erstrand, let it be known, ranks as No.3 in the world in his intstrument according to Jazz Journal International. Leif “Gus” Dahlberg, drums and Tommy Johnson, bass.

“Erstrand is always unhesitating, fluent playing gives the unfailing impression of a musician in total control He can depict the most ethereal moods, as in the title piece Dream dancing… One is struck, not least by his sense of sound and nuance in this consistently well constructed, subtle performance… An obvious candidate for Recording of the year!” (Audio Video)

PRODUCTION: Opus 3 Records, Järna, Sweden
PRODUCER: Jan-Eric Persson
RECORDING ENGINEER: Jan-Eric Persson
RECORDED: February 1991
PHOTO: Jan-Eric Persson
ELECTRONIC DESIGN: Kjell Malmberg, AV-Utveckling
RE-MASTERING FOR LP: Erik Nordström & Jan-Eric Persson
DISTRIBUTION: F:a Ljudinspelning/Opus 3 Records
MICROPHONES: AKG C-24 Vacuum tube stereo microphone and Beyerdynamic, double ribbon M-160 (for double bass)
MONITOR SPEAKERS: Totem Acoustics, Mani-2 Signature

Tracklist

It has been my good fortune to take part in more than 60 jazz albums since my first one, in March 1964. Most of these recordnings were made in Sweden, but some took place in New York (USA), Stuttgart (Germany), Monster (Holland), Copenhagen (Denmark) and Helsinki (Finland).

Taking part in recording with professional jazz musicians is a wonderful feeling, but at the same time quite a challenge. One never really knows what is going to happen. This kind of music is based on “happenings” – so you’d better be on the ball!

This particular day, 22nd February 1991, I arrived for the recording session at Jakobsberg, on the outskirts of Stockholm, feeling extra confident. I knew for sure that, if we could come up with some good versions, the recording quality would be nothing but the best, thanks to Jan-Eric Persson, a very special recording engineer with a warm feeling for the “true sound”. That is one reason why I’ve stuck with him ever since August 1979, when I did my first session for him at Opus3.

Another reason for my feeling so secure was , of course, Kjell Öhman, my favourite pianist. Added to which I am sure I am not the only one to rate him one of the very best organ players anywhere on earth. His registration and performance on his original “Hammond B 3” are quite outstanding.

Two tears ago Kjell introduced me to a young bass player, Thommy Johnson, who works in Kjell’s organ group. We were in need of a bass player, our former bassist, Lars Pettersson, havin had to withdraw on account of a incurable back trouble – a sad fate after nearly 50 years playing with all the great jazz artists. Anyhow, we tried Tommy and one or two others for a while and, all of a sudden, there was Tommy, a permanent member of the Quartet.

Leif “Gus” Dahlberg (Gus of course after Gus Johnson – one of his favorite drummers) is a lovable gentleman and a supreme “chameleon”. One second he is playing with velvet brushes, an then suddenly he builds up a thunderstorm, but only when it’s called for. That’s one reason why I love playing with him.

The music you are about to listen to on this album is a message:
“…this is my favoriteband!”

Swingcerely yours, LARS ERSTRAND 199

Εταιρία

Opus3 Records