In today’s Wall Street Journal, I write about the surprise circumstance that led to the finest trio album of Jan Lundgren’s career. All but unknown—and unreviewed—in the United States, Together Again…At The Jazz Bakery features the Swedish pianist with bassist Chuck Berghofer and drummer Joe LaBarbera in a recording they didn’t know was being made. The CD was voted Record Of The Year in the British magazine Jazz Journal’s critics poll. I gave it first place in the new Rhapsody critics poll.
From the Wall Street Journal piece:
In concerts Mr. Lundgren often credits Oscar Peterson, who died in 2007, with igniting his passion for jazz. He does so again in his most
recent album as he introduces his poignant, unaccompanied performance of “Tenderly,” a song indelibly associated with Peterson. The album is remarkable on two counts: for the playing of Mr. Lundgren, Mr. Berghofer and Mr. La Barbera; and for existing at all. It was not intended to become an album.
To read the whole thing, see the print edition of the Journal or, for a limited time click here to read the online version.
Another great article, Doug. Talk about the “Lost Tapes”! I loved the background information about the Jan Lundgren recording.
Many thanks for the article which I saw in the WSJ. and much enjoyed. I’ve been checking the internet but can’t find anywhere to buy the “Together Again” album in the U.S. The only website I found which had the album available was in Spain. That seems to be where “Fresh Sound” is located, but it doesn’t give me any idea the shipping cost or time delay in ordering one from there to be sent to my Miami address. Do you or anyone who may happen to read this know if the album can be purchased from any internet location in the U.S.?
Yes. There is a link to the appropriate Amazon page in the January 19 Rifftides post. Here it is again. Click here.
Wonderful article on Jan Lundgren and “Together Again…” in the WSJ. The background info on Jan was great, but I think I would have started the article as follows: “Buy this album and listen to it many times. Your life will be better for having done so!”
We need folks to support fine jazz such as this and to get Jan to the US for a tour….
Splendid review of a splendid disc. Lundgren, whose piano work I’ve been following (and reviewing in Britain’s Jazz Journal) for a decade and a half, is at his most assured and inventive. To think that this recording was languishing in a garage until that great producer Dick Bank rescued it is a sobering thought. Full marks to all concerned: pianist, producer and the great technicians involved.
Your great article in the Wall Street Journal brings wonderful memories of that evening at the Jazz Bakery. I was fortunate enough to be there for the wonderful session and the music stayed in my head for two days afterwards.
An outstanding tribute to a great pianist who I have had the good fortune to listen to many times here in Los Angeles. He is most deserving of everything that you have written.
A splendid writeup, Doug, that I’m sure will make even casual jazz fans or just lovers of good music give it a listen. I don’t think they’ll be disappointed; it’s a glorious recording by three of the finest players on the scene today. I also agree with Herman Moreno; it brings back many fond memories of the Bakery–one of the greatest jazz venues our city has ever had.
If you want, while playing the music, to recall the visual atmosphere that night you can see the photos I took. Click here:
(not the highest resolution I’m afraid but I was using the available light.