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 1991
Tracklist:
A1 A Beautiful Friendship 3:49
A2 Dream Dancing 5:02
A3 East Of The Sun 5:09
A4 Sweet Georgia Brown 4:33
A5 I Mahna De Carnival 6:22
B1 One For The Woofer 5:32
B2 In A Mellow Tone 4:57
B3 Old Folks 4:58
B4 Just Friends - Friends Again 4:16
B5 Flying Home 3:45
