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All About Jazz about Gentle Thoughts
May 2006

Swedish guitarist Per Sjödin slips into mainstream jazz with measured grace and a pocketful of soul. His regular band is a trio with Danish organist Kjeld Lauritsen, whom he met on a gig, and Swedish drummer Zoltan Csörsz, Jr. On this debut recording, Sjödin has astutely added Mårten Lundgren (trumpet) and Magnus Lindgren (tenor) on four of the tracks to extend the impact of the compositions. Sjödin's writing strongly asserts melody, and his playing is juicy and ripe, nourished by the dip into the music and enhanced by texture.

Sjödin pays tribute to one of his heroes, Horace Silver, on “Silverado.” The theme bounces from his guitar, then the focus shifts to Lindgren, who carries it into bop domain on tenor. The tune settles in this territory, and Lundgren carves a niche on the trumpet. Sjödin pays tribute to another inspiration, John Coltrane, on the whipcord “Mr. JC.” The tension and groove of the twelve-bar blues are both elevated by the level of heated energy Sjödin sets in motion.

The leader also explores his softer side, with artistry and a firm grasp of the vocabulary, in a solo version of the standard “My One and Only Love.” The band enriches the euphonic “After the Summer Rain,” where Sjödin is nimble and articulate, rarely digressing from the melodic core. Lauritsen uses the rich tonality of the Hamond B3 to extend the sonic screen.
Reviewed by Jerry D'Souz
Read the review at All About Jazz

Just Jazz Guitar Magazine about Gentle Thoughts
May 2006

There are numerous cases where talented composers fall short when performing on their instruments.  This is certainly not the case with Sweden’s Per Sjodin.  This jazz guitarist plays with a maturity way beyond his 34 years of age.

Beginning with the title tune, “Gentle Thoughts,” Sjodin exposes the listener to a wide variety of original material.  From the funky feel of the opening selection to the rapidly moving complex lines of “Silverado,” each composition is well crafted and beautifully performed.  Other titles are, “A Casual Acquaintance,” “Mr. J.C.,” and “After The Summer Rain.”

Joined by Kjeld Lauritsen on the B3 organ and Zoltan Csorsz on drums, Sjodin plays with an energy and skill that is truly a pleasure to hear.  There are guest appearances by Marten Lundgren on trumpet and Magnus Lindgren on tenor sax.

Two standards include beautiful solo renditions of “My One and Only Love” and “If I Should Lose You.”  The traditional tune, “Make Me a Pallet On The Floor” has a fun gospel feel.  It’s obvious the players are truly enjoying themselves.

This highly recommended disk is a fine recording by a group of well-matched musicians.

Reviewed by: Vince Lewis 

Pensieri gentili
April 2006

La nuova Love Street Records, casa discografica di Malmö, in Svezia, ha pubblicato con grande passione del mainstream legato ad un certo sound anni `60, effettuato per lo più da musicisti locali che, per la loro bravura, meriterebbero un maggiore riconoscimento a livello internazionale.

Il disco d´esordio della label è quello del chitarrista Per Sjödin, in trio con Kjeld Lauritsen all´Hammond B3 e Zoltan Csörcz Jr. alla batteria, un tipo di formazione che come i classici del genere suona con swing e funky da vendere.

In quattro brani ci sono Maarten Lundgren alla tromba e Magnus Lindgren al sax tenore, per dare più sostanza all´intero album. La loro non è un´operazione filologica o revivalista, in quanto utilizzano per lo più proprie composizioni aggiungendo al tipico sound da session Blue Note anni `60 un impronta moderna nei loro assoli.

"Silverado" é un brano dedicato a Horace Silver, così come il finale "Mr. JC" è dedicato a John Coltrane, ancora oggi dei modelli per la giovane generazione di improvvisatori. Gli altri brani si dividono fra momenti più lirici ed altri piú movimentati, badando all´architettura generale del disco, compatto e godibile dal primo all´ultimo brano.

Cosimo Parisi
www.musicboom.it

OMM about Gentle Thoughts
Mars, 2005

Online Music Magazin

Yes, Sir!

Daß die Schweden Solides lieben, Dinge und Verhältnisse von Bestand, zeigen ihre konsequente Politik der Neutralität und die Qualität ihrer Automobile. Das Land der Seen und Schären bringt dazu neben den anerkannten Kriminalromanen von Sjöwall/Wahlöö und Carl Larssons gemalten ländlichen Idyllen auch auf dem Sektor "Jazz" Beachtliches und Grundsolides zustande. Der Gitarrist Per Sjödin gehört mit seinem Trio zu den schwedischen Jazzern, die bei dem feinen Label "Lovestreet Records" ihren Platz haben. Sein aktuelles Album "Gentle Thoughts" ist eine der sehr erfreulichen Neuerscheinungen der Saison.

Sjödin und seine Partner swingen und träumen auf dieser delikaten Silber-Scheibe ansteckend gut gelaunt, präsentieren neue Stücke aus Sjödins Feder und jung gebliebene Standards in Arrangements Sjödins, dessen Namen man in allerbester Tradition neben denen von Kenny Burrell, Carl Kress, George Barnes, Jean "Toots" Thielemans und Earl Klugh nennen kann. Mit dem Groove eines Jimmy McGriff steht ihm am Hammond B3 Kjeld Lauritzen zur Seite während der einfühlsame Drummer Zoltan Csörsz das feine Trio komplettiert. "Gentle Thoughts" ist eines der Alben, die man nicht mehr missen möchte. Zärtlich beschwört Sjödin auf seiner Fender im Solo "My One And Only Love", läßt im durch und durch jazzigen "If I Should Lose You" vor dem kongenialen Hintergrund von Schlagzeug und Orgel die Saiten tanzen und gibt im eigenen "Mr. JC" so richtig Gas.

In "After The Summer Rain" zeigt Sjödin, daß er auch Altmeister Wes Montgomery aufmerksam studiert hat und "Make Me A Pallet On The Floor" hat den richtig guten Swing. Hier wie bei drei weiteren der acht Titel hat man ausgesuchte Gäste geladen: Mårten Lundgren (Trompete) und Magnus Lindgren (Tenorsaxophon) fügen sich perfekt ins Ensemble und bereichern es um brillante Bebop- Elemente.Sie brauchen mal wieder was, um die Laune aufzubessern? "Gentle Thoughts" ist die richtige Medizin.

Von Frank Becker


eJazzNews about Gentle Thoughts
Nov 10, 2005

Swedish guitarist, Per Sjodin swings with a lyrical touch on his most recent release, Gentle Thoughts. With solid backing from his group, Sjodin captures the spirit of each piece with youthful vigor and commitment. His style is gentle, articulate and driving. Sjodin wrote five of the eight selections.

"A Casual Acquaintance" is a mid tempo number that swings from start to finish. Sjodin caresses every note with a deep sense of rhythmic balance. Lauritsen's complementary organ sounds are also featured.

With a hint of Benson and Montgomery, Sjodin's "After The Summerrain" is a funky vehicle showcasing Sjodin's dexterity. Every chorus is a refreshing glimpse into the artistry of this talented musician. Never at a loss for ideas, Sjodin creates one beautiful moment after another.

The timeless classic "My One And Only Love" is performed with richness and depth one would expect from seasoned veterans. Sjodin's timbre is full and rounded. Every gentle stroke performed with grace, control and love. A beautiful rendition deserving repeated listening.

Swinging hard, Sjodin is up to the task on "Mr J. C." Dedicated to John Coltrane, Sjodin and the band have a chance to flex their musical muscle in a most satisfying way. Lungren and Lindgren are featured prominently. Lundgren's piercing trumpet and Lindgren's relentless tenor harkens back to the glory days of bebop.

Playing the blues has always been a favorite of Sjodin's. "Make Me A Pallet On The Floor" is a favorite among Blues and Jazz artists alike. The group performs well, capturing the essence of this classic. Lauritsen's Hammond swings throughout. Sjodin makes the most of this tune by stretching the melody with his nimble fingers and ear for creativity. A joyous ending ensues.

Gentle Thoughts is a satisfying outing sure to please many listeners. With a balanced selection of tunes, Sjodin has ample opportunity to showcase his talent. Be it a ballad or an up tempo number, Sjodin's sound is fresh and invigorating. Excellent support and skill from the rest of the musicians make this release a joy to the ear.

Randy McElligott


Politiken (DK) om Gentle Thoughts
13 april 2005

fyra hjärtan(av sex)
ELEGANCE
DET ER EN AF jazzens klassiske kombinationer, Hammond B3-orgel, guitar og trommer, der danner grundstammen i disse otte optagelser. Dog med den forskel, at det her er guitaren, der er den ledende stemme i ensemblet, personificeret ved Per Sjödin. Og med vor egen Kjeld Lauritsen som en diskret, men effektiv akkompagnatör og Zoltan Csörsz´letfodede trommespil swinger musikken med en elegance, som man i en sammenhaeng som denne ikke er forvaent med.

Det kommer ikke mindst til udtryk i de tre numre, hvor trioen er alene på banen, Sjödins " A casual Acquaintance" og After The Summerrain" samt Robin-Raingers " If I Should Lose You". For Sjödin er en fremragende solist med sin varme tone, sin fine melodiske sans og sin aldeles ubesvaerede frasering, som han ligeledes demonstrerer i en uakkompagneret udgave af Mellin-Woods `My one and only love`. Som komponist af de fem numre, han selv har tegnet sig for har han lånt fra alle sider. Hvilket på den anden side er en af grunderne til, at de fungerer så fortraeffeligt som improvisationsgrundlag både for ham, trompetisten Mårten Lundgren, tenorsaxofonisten Magnus Lindgren og Lauritsen i deres roller som solister.

Boris Rabinowitsch