Week of October 29, 2000

Baltik

"Baltik" 1973 CBS S 65581, Sweden
CD: Green Tree/CMP GTR622, 2004, Germany

John Gustafson
Claes Jansson
Tomas Ledin*
Malando Gassama*
Ola Brunkert*
Anders "Henkan" Henriksson
Bengt Dahlen
Bjorn Jason Lindh*
Beverly Glenn
David Garriock
Adrian Moar
Goran Lagerberg
Mike Watson
Jan Schaffer*
Jan Bandel
Karin Stigmark

* Recorded with ABBA; Jan Schaffer is also a notable jazz artist in his own right, known in Sweden and beyond.

This somewhat gloomy, progressive album, comprising cream of the crop of the era's Nordic session scene, plus one bass virtuoso from England, John Gustafson (Roxy Music, Quatermass, Ian Gillan Band, Hard Stuff) is now one of the ultimate collectors items for most Deep Purple, Atomic Rooster and Roxy Music afficionados. It starts off quite heavy, then the pace is slowed down with a gospel-flavoured ballad a-la early Elton and maybe Joan Armatrading (who lead singer Beverly Glenn certainly sounds like), which sets the mood for the rest of side A. Side B is filled with quirky, interesting but somewhat murky prog rock, which takes a little bit of getting used to - especially if it doesn't grab you from the first listen; give it another chance.

Alex Gitlin
October 2000

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