Jan Lundgren Trio - A Touch Of You (1998)

Here we have another excellent early Jan Lundgren Trio release on the Japanese Alfa Jazz label in 1998. For this trio Jan, whilst in New York is joined by bassist Peter Washington and drummer. Billy Drummond. Together they interpret and probe a vibrant selection of eight jazz standards close to Jan's heart, as well as showcasing three of his own compositions that include the evocative title track "A Touch Of You". The interplay between these unique musicians is superb, from start to finish the listener no doubt will be truly captivated, enjoy! 

Alfa Jazz, ALCB-3934, 1998
Recorded 29th & 30th April, 1998 at Avatar Studio, New York 

Musicians:
Jan Lundgren - Piano
Peter Washington - Bass
Billy Drummond - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Blues For Raz {Jan Lundgren} (5:45)
02. Love You Madly {Duke Ellington, Luther Henderson} (4:46)
03. Willow Weep For Me {Ann Ronell} (7:30)
04. Cleopatra’s Dream {Bud Powell} (5:15)
05. A Touch Of You {Jan Lundgren} (4:44)
06. Midnight Waltz {Cedar Walton} (4:52)
07. The Time Is Now {Jan Lundgren} (5:12)
08. While My Lady Sleeps {Bronislaw Kaper, Gus Kahn} (6:47)
09. Tranquille {Oscar Peterson} (5:45)
10. Fingers {Thad Jones} (5:17)
11. Lotus Blossom {Billy Strayhorn} (3:42) 

Total Time: 61:35 

Credits:
Producer - Satoshi Hirano
Co-producer - Kyoko Aikawa
Recording Engineer - Alec Head
Mastering Engineer - Mitsuo Koike
Liner Notes [Japanese] - Yasukuni Terashima 

A Touch Of You

Jan Lundgren Trio - I Love Jan Lundgren Trio (2013)

Within the last six months, the highly acclaimed album I Love Jan Lundgren Trio has reached more than 1.300.000 streams on Spotify. Among its Swedish jazz record contemporaries this number is almost unique. Jan Lundgren Trio was formed in the nineties and lines up Lundgren himself, Mattias Svensson and Zoltan Csörsz Jr. Their seventh album "I Love Jan Lundgren Trio" was recorded with a wholly analogue process in 2012 at the legendary Swedish Radio Studio 3. Produced by Eric Palmcrantz, the album was released on the label Buben and is distributed by Figaro Music and Media Group. British Jazz Journal promptly gave it five out of five stars. Pianist and composer Jan Lundgren is pleasantly surprised with the album's popularity: "I'm very pleased and quite astounded. We chose to release the album both as a numbered, limited-edition vinyl and through various online streaming services. To reach out like this, with so many streams in such a short time, is really cool. It gives one hope for the future that we have broken through the white noise in a time when listeners have so much good music to choose from." ~ soundeffect-records.gr. 

Buben Records; BUBLP003, 2013
Figaro Music & Media Group, none, 2013
Recorded 16th-18th May, 2012 at Studio 3, Swedish Radio, Stockholm, Sweden 

Musicians:
Jan Lundgren - Piano
Mattias Svensson - Double Bass
Zoltan Csörsz Jr. - Drums

Tracks:
A1. The Poet {Jan Lundgren} (6:17)
A2. Garden Of Delight {Jan Lundgren} (4:48)
A3. Can You Please {Mattias Svensson} (5:05)
A4. The Magic Stroll {Jan Lundgren} (5:40)
B1. Hidden Truth {Jan Lundgren} (6:54)
B2. Almas Vaggvisa [Alma's Lullaby] {Jan Lundgren} (3:48)
B3. Chega De Saudade [No More Blues] {Antônio Carlos Jobim} (4:53)
B4. Jive Master M {Jan Lundgren} (5:04) 

Total Time: 42:29 

Credits:
Producer - Eric Palmcrantz
Recording Engineer - Eric Palmcrantz, Fredrik Möller, Gert Palmcrantz
Technician [Piano Tuning] - Edgar Lips
Mastering - Björn Engelmann
Lacquer Cutting - Janne Hansson
Photography [Cover] - Daniel Olsén
Photography [Liner] - Natasja Kinneen
Album Design - Pelle Jansson, Pelle von Malmborg 

The Magic Stroll

Jan Lundgren, Richard Galliano, Paolo Fresu - "Mare Nostrum” JazzBaltica (2007)

Musicians:
Jan Lundgren - Piano
Richard Galliano - Accordion
Paolo Fresu - Trumpet, Flugelhorn 

Tracks:
1. Mare Nostrum
2. Principessa
3. The Seagull
4. Years Ahead
5. Varvindar Friska
6. Liberty Waltz
7. Chat Pitre
8. Valzer Di Ritorno
9. Love Land 

Total Time: 71:26 

Quality: SATRip
Format: DVD > MKV

Bengan Janson, Jan Lundgren, Ulf Wakenius (2011)

This is a unique trio session with three of our most internationally renowned musicians, accordionist Bengan Janson, pianist Jan Lundgren and guitarist Ulf Wakenius, who combine jazz with folk music, tango and samba. But above all the art of improvisation within today's serious popular music. 

Bengan says: Together again - for the first time - you could really say. We have played with each other before in duo constellations, but never all three together. So, it became a trio with roots in folk music and jazz. We met and made Swedish music, both from the past and present, but of course also own original compositions! The idea for the collaboration was born during a tour with Jan and Ulf, where Jan invited me to the concert to, as he put it, "sit in on a song". I brought the cardboard box with me and played a song with these gentlemen and it was off and running." The decision to subsequently record an album felt simple. Björn Johansson, the firebrand behind the record company Ladybird was "on" and soon enough the recording started in Atlantis Studio. And here is the result - enjoy! [Translated from Swedish] 

Ladybird Records, 79556821, 2011
Recorded and mixed in Atlantis Studios, Stockholm, Sweden 

Musicians:
Bengan Janson - Accordion
Jan Lundgren - Grand Piano
Ulf Wakenius - Guitar

Tracks:
01. Love Land (6:20)
02. Chorinho Pra Sivuca (4:19)
03. Låt Till Far (4:57)
04. Paris Tango (4:46)
05. Halvpolska Efter Donna-Lee (5:14)
06. Tycker Inte Om Dig (4:52)
07. Fran Djursholm Till Danvikstull (4:33)
08. Alone For You (4:35)
09. Lovers' Parade (4:57)
10. Backner (4:43)
11. Världen Ar Full Av Violer (4:47)
12. Ett Enkelt Liv (4:12) 

Total Time: 58:15 

Credits:
Executive Producer - Bjorn Johannsson
Production Manager - Claes Janson
Recording & Mixing - Janne Hansson
Cover Sculpture - Timo Solin
Cover Photo - Tony Landberg
Cover Design - Armand Alcazar 

Världen är Full Av Violer [The World Is Full Of Violets]

Jan Lundgren Trio - Blue Lights (2003)

Here, we have yet another fine trio outing by the marvellous Swedish pianist Jan Lundgren. For this release Jan continues to join company with bassist Jesper Lundgaard and drummer Alex Riel. Apart from two of his own compositions the trio delve into a bunch of bop tunes and other jazz standards. Recorded in Copenhagen in 2003 this album has been remastered and released again in 2010 by the Japanese marshmallow label. Not much more to say other than just dig and enjoy! 

Marshmallow Export, MMEX-101; 2003
Marshmallow Export, MMEX-142-CD, 2010
Recorded 20th & 21st January, 2003 at Sun Studio, Copenhagen, Denmark 

Musicians:
Jan Lundgren - Piano
Jesper Lundgaard - Bass
Alex Riel - Drums

Tracks:
01. Take Me In Your Arms {Fred Markush} (6:19)
02. Blue Lights {Gigi Gryce} (4:34)
03. Love Of My Life {Artie Shaw, Johnny Mercer} (5:53)
04. Easily Found {Jan Lundgren} (5:10)
05. Stranger In Paradise {Robert White} (5:32)
06. Winter Moon {Hoagy Carmichael} (4:59)
07. A Sunny Rain {Jan Lundgren} (6:47)
08. Fair Weather {Benny Golson} (5:34)
09. Skylark {Hoagy Carmichael} (4:51)
10. Out Of The Past {Benny Golson} (4:57)
11. We Could Make Such Beautiful Music Together {Henry Maners} (4:13) 

Total Time: 58:59 

Credits:
Producer, Photography, Remastering - Mitsuo Johfu
Reissue Producer - Guy Jones
Engineer - Bjarne Hansen
Engineer [Assistant] - Andreas Hviid
Design - Makoto Kanemura
Liner Notes - Ulf Abjörnsson 

Easily Found

Jan Lundgren Trio - New York Calling (1995)

Earlier in his career pianist Jan Lundgren didn't move outside of Sweden that often. However, on 22nd & 23rd December, 1995 he happened to be in New York City to record for an independent Japanese label Alfa Jazz. On that date Jan joined forces with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Billy Drummond with the recording session taking place at the well-esteemed ‘Sound On Sound Studio’. Apart from three of Jan's own original compositions and the traditional piece 'Dear Old Stockholm', the trio chose a varied array of jazz tunes for the main formation of this historic get-together. Such a visit wasn't to be repeated until ten years later for ‘In New York’ album with the only exception of Kenny Washington replacing Billy Drummond. As always Jan does not fail to showcase his prowess and versatility as this vibrant trio present another worthy example of Lundgren's expansive discography. 

Alfa Jazz, ALCB-3905, 1996
Recorded 22nd & 23rd December, 1995 at Sound On Sound Studio, New York City 

Musicians:
Jan Lundgren - Piano
Peter Washington - Bass
Billy Drummond - Drums

Tracks:
01. Fun Run {Jan Lundgren} (5:42)
02. Sometime Ago {Sergio Mihanovich} (5:41)
03. Danny's Dream {Lars Gullin} (5:05)
04. Hi-Fly {Randy Weston} (6:42)
05. Lena {Jan Lundgren} (7:41)
06. Buttercup {Bud Powell} (6:40)
07. Star-Crossed Lovers {Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn} (4:18)
08. Shades Of Light {Hubert Laws} (6:33)
09. Beatrice {Sam Rivers} (5:25)
10. Time To Leave Again {Jan Lundgren} (9:52)
11. Dear Old Stockholm [Värmlandsvisan] {Traditional} (2:56) 

Total Time: 66:41 

Credits:
Producer - Big Apple Productions Inc.
Executive Producer - Satoshi Hirano
Production Associate - Kyoko Aikawa
Recording Engineer - Peter Beckerman
Assistant Engineer - Tsumoru Kume
Cover, Photography - John Abbott
Art Direction - Masakazu Hirao 

Buttercup

Jan Lundgren Trio - Perfidia (2002)

Here's another wonderful session by the sensational Jan Lundgren Trio in its classic configuration comprising of as expected Jan on piano and his two veteran collaborators’ bassist Jesper Lundgaard and drummer Alex Riel. For this release the trio explore a broad selection of bop, hard bop and post-bop tunes. The album was produced by Jan and released on the sought after Japanese M&I label over twenty years ago but hasn't lost its scintillating appeal, it will easily become a favourite of any jazz piano fan, enjoy! 

M&I, MYCJ-30176, 2002
Recorded 16th & 17th September, 2002 at Sun Studio, Copenhagen, Denmark 

Musicians:
Jan Lundgren - Piano
Jesper Lundgaard - Bass
Alex Riel - Drums

Tracks:
01. Russian Lullaby {Irving Berlin} (7:32)
02. Perfidia {Alberto Dominguez} (5:20)
03. Med Ogon Kansliga For Gront {Barbro Hörberg, Nisse Hansén} (4:42)
04. Carnival {Harry Warren} (4:56)
05. Dat Dere {Bobby Timmons} (5:25)
06. Alfie {Burt Bacharach, Hal David} (5:57)
07. Don't Cha Go 'Way Mad {Jimmy Mundy} (3:25)
08. Jordu {Duke Jordan} (6:10)
09. More Than You Know {Billy Rose, Edward Eliscu, Vincent Youmans} (5:29)
10. Star Eyes {Don Raye, Gene DePaul} (5:21)
11. Long Ago And Far Away {Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern} (6:13) 

Total Time: 60:30 

Credits:
Producer - Jan Lundgren
Executive-Producer, Photography - Mitsuo Johfu
Recording Engineer - Bjarne Hansen
Re-mastering Engineer - Kazuhiro Yamagata
A&R - Takeo Yokota 

Perfidia

Jan Lundgren with Orchestra - Something To Live For (1998)

"Reminiscences of a Duke," the highlight of this tribute to Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, is a triumph for Lundgren and the 63-year-old Swedish composer Magnus Linden. Throughout the album, Lundgren plays with his usual clarity of touch and conception. Meeting considerable challenges offered by Linden in the composer's 15-minute suite, he surpasses himself Building on hints at themes abstracted from Ellington tunes, Linden uses strings, woodwinds and French horn for settings that require the pianist's formidable technical command and stimulate his inventiveness. Linden manages to evoke Ellington's music, provide ideal settings for Lundgren and demonstrate virtuosity in orchestration. Some of his writing is reminiscent of Charles Ives (in the movement titled "Mood") and Eddie Sauter ("Pace"), but it has a pungent modernity all it's own. His work is all the more impressive because Linden accomplishes impressive depth and texture using only 12 pieces, demonstrating a masterful command of resources. Lundgren plays the fastest and most demanding passages ("Speed") without sacrificing a bit of the emotion that the music demands. Yet, he performs with the precision of a classical pianist playing a concerto, which this music resembles in some respects. Tracking Lundgren's growth from one recording to the next over the past five years or so has been one of the rewarding listening experiences of the 1990s. If this album is an indication, his increasing individuality and expressiveness as a soloist will lead to important work in the new century. ~ Amazon Editorial. 

Sittel Records, SITCD9258, 1999
Recorded 6th-8th October, 1998 in Stockholm, Sweden 

Musicians:
Jan Lundgren - Piano
Mattias Hjort - Bass
Rasmus Kihlberg - Drums
with String Orchestra

Tracks:
01. Something To Live For {Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn} (5:36)
02. In A Sentimental Mood {Duke Ellington} (4:44)
03. Raincheck {Billy Strayhorn} (3:33)
04. Isfahan {Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn} (4:16)
05. Prelude To A Kiss {Duke Ellington} (5:34)
06. Azure {Duke Ellington} (3:16)
07. Caravan {Juan Tizol, Duke Ellington} (3:57)
08. Blood Count {Billy Strayhorn} (6:03)
Reminiscences Of A Duke {Magnus Linden}
09. I. Pace (5:03)
10. II. Mood (5:58)
11. III. Speed (5:18)
12. Looking Glass {Duke Ellington} (3:40) 

Total Time: 57:03 

This recording is dedicated to the memory of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. 

Caravan

Jan Lundgren - In New York (2005)

On May 31 and June 1, 2005, Swedish jazz pianist Jan Lundgren was in New York to record In New York for Marshmallow Records, an independent Japanese label founded in 1978. Backing Jan were bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington. The recording session took place at Nola's Penthouse Studio on 57th St., above the Steinway showroom (both now replaced by a zillion-story tower on what is known in New York as Billionaire's Row). Jim Czak, whom we all miss dearly, co-engineered, mixed and mastered. Most of the songs were chosen by Jan, with three added by the album's producer and Marshmallow founder Mitsuo Johfu: Autumn in New York, Cherokee and The Gypsy. Jan included two originals - Negotiations and M.Z. The balance were standards Jan wanted to record - East of the Sun, Benny Golson's Stablemates, John Coltrane's Straight Street, I Can't Get Started and Wayne Shorter's This Is for Albert. Great choices all. Jan doesn't get to New York as often as he used to. The pandemic changed a lot. This album is as close as we'll get unless you're in Stockholm and vicinity. In New York is exceptional. Listen to Jan on Autumn in New York and I Can't Get Started. Sheer elegance. There was gentle quality and swinging sophistication to Jan's playing then as is the case now, only more so. His level of taste is extraordinary, and his feel for American songbook standards is loving and respectful. Listen to Stablemates, one of the most statuesque trio renditions of the song I've ever heard and the most sensual, which is how Benny likes it played. Or listen to Jan's fabulous introduction to The Gypsy. [Photo above of Jan Lundgren by Steven Haberland] Straight Street, which Coltrane recorded on Coltrane (Prestige) in 1957, is a knockout, with Jan giving the song the mink-glove treatment. And This Is for Albert, which can be heard on Art Blakey's Caravan (Riverside), twists and turns with grace. Jan's originals here have a distinctly Swedish moodiness and are terrific change-ups from the jazz and pop songbook. As for Peter Washington and Kenny Washington, they are the gold standard and continue to inspire everyone they play with. This is an album you'll listen to over and over again. And, if I might add, a perfect album to play while on the sofa in front of the fireplace this season. The music will find its way all the way inside and make you very happy. ~ Marc Myers, JazzWax.com. 

Marshmallow Export, MMEX-106, 2005
Recorded 31st May-1st June, 2005 at Nola Recording Studio, New York 

Musicians:
Jan Lundgren - Piano
Peter Washington - Bass
Kenny Washington - Drums

Tracks:
01. Negotiations {Jan Lundgren} (7:27)
02. East Of The Sun {Brooks Bowman} (5:26)
03. Autumn In New York {Vernon Duke} (7:02)
04. Stablemates {Benny Golson} (7:36)
05. The Gypsy {Billy Reid} (4:52)
06. Straight Street {John Coltrane} (7:29)
07. M.Z. {Jan Lundgren} (5:12)
08. Cherokee {Ray Noble} (5:51)
09. I Can't Get Standerd {Ira Gershwin, Vernon Duke} (4:34)
10. This Is For Albert {Wayne Shorter} (6:14) 

Total Time: 61:46 

Credits:
Producer - Mitsuo Johfu
Recording Engineer - Jim Czak, Bill Moss 

Cherokee

Jan Lundgren Trio - Soft Summer Breeze (2007)

The title itself is inviting, not to say seductive. And just like that the record is, a warm summer breeze that flies by quickly, but a very pleasant one. At first unfocused listening, it can sound like talented bar music. But if you put your ear closer to the record, you can't avoid Lundgren's elegance and imagination. There are no bolder moves, but that's not what Lundgren is known for either, low-key and thoughtful as he is. The disc was recorded during a tour in Japan that Jan Lundgren told about in an interview in orkesterjournalen (12/2007). Lundgren and his producers know what Japanese concert-goers want: safe cards from The Great Songbook. Here are many of the most played: Mood Indigo, Things Ain't What They Used To Be, Lets Face The Music And Dance, Lullaby Of Birdland, to name a few. The Danish co-players Jesper Lundgaard and Alex Riel reinforce the elegance and softness that surrounds the record. None of them go off for hoes. Piano trio lovers will not be disappointed. Lundgren tackles the standard songs, as usual, with an enormous sense of style and lyrical play, with nourishing roots in the very greatest. One of the songs was written by saxophonist Al Cohn's (died 1988) Tasty Pudding. Just like that. A delicious and tasty pudding! ~ Peter H Larsen, orkesterjournalen.com. [Translated from Swedish] 

Marshmallow Records, MMEX-120, 2007
Recorded September, 2007 at "Sugita Theatre", Yokohama, Japan 

Musicians:
Jan Lundgren - Piano
Jesper Lundgaard - Bass
Alex Riel - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Mood Indigo {Duke Ellington, Barney Bigard} (4:41)
02. Tasty Pudding {Al Cohn} (4:34)
03. Darn That Dream {Eddie DeLange, Jimmy Van Heusen} (5:11)
04. Rhythm-A-Ning {Thelonious Monk} (5:01)
05. Things Ain't What They Used To Be {Duke Ellington} (5:04)
06. Soul Train {Tadd Dameron} (6:51)
07. Soft Summer Breeze {Eddie Heywood} (5:39)
08. Velvet Moon {Edgar De Lange, Josef Myrow} (5:08)
09. Let's Face The Music And Dance {Irving Berlin} (5:38)
10. Am I Blue {Harry Akst, Grant Clarke} (5:57)
11. Lullaby Of Birdland {George Shearing} (4:52)
12. From This Moment On {Cole Porter} (3:46) 

Total Time: 62:28 

Soft Summer Breeze