SANSARA MUSIC BAND – Plays The Music Of Lars Färnlöf (Mirrors, 2008; rec. 1976)

  
Instrumental
International relevance: ***

I'm not too impressed by Sansara Music Band's only other release, an eponymous album recorded in 1977. This archival disc is taken from a radio session the previous year with a largely different line-up, but the style is roughly the same, meaning funky soul jazz with light fusion touches. Although I'm not amazingly thrilled by it, it's still a more vivid performance with especially pianist Bobo Stenson leaving an indeliable mark on the recording. If I had to choose one of Sansara's now two albums, I'd go with this one.

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SANSARA – Sansara Music Band (Sonet, 1978)

Instrumental

 International relevance: ***

 

An all-star line-up comprising a number of prominent jazz cats such as Bernt Rosengren, Fredrik Norén, Staffan Abeleen, Jojje Wadenius and Lasse Färnlöf captured on night in August 1977 at jazz club Fasching in Stockholm. The music is best categorized as soul jazz, with post bop playing over funky grooves. Some inspired playing but the music itself isn't particularly adventurous. I've never liked the kitschy soul jazz style, and there's a bit too much Wadenius for me here.

The album features a version of the title track from Färnlöf's legendary 1969 album ”The Chameleon”.

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