Maid in Sweden (1971) [reup]

Sweden - a country largely politicised during the late sixties - took it's first steps towards creating it's own music and its own cultural language during the late sixties with bands like Hansson & Karlsson, Mecki Mark Men, Lea Riders Group and others. Out of the latter (featuring Bosse Häggström on Bass and Tommy "Slim" Borgudd on drums), Made in Sweden evolved together with Georg "Jojje" Wadenius as a instrumentally talented trio. Recording three studio albums (plus the music for a children's play called "Rengbågslandet" in 1970) and this live album, was definitely enough to showcase their collected talents, until they broke up in 1970, shortly after their brilliant album "Made in England" was released. In 1975, Made in Sweden reformed but with a different line-up only featuring Jojje as an original member. This formation released one album, and then dismantled…

Earl Hines is in great form during this 1970 studio session with bassist Larry Richardson and drummer Richie Goldberg. Four of the six tracks are standards which the pianist played many times during his long career, including a lively "Them There Eyes," a rather wild "There Is No Greater Love," and a striding solo interpretation of "You're Driving Me Crazy" that showcases Hines' formidable technique. Don Redman's moody "If It's True" had long since become an obscurity by the time of this recording, but Hines' subtle performance is a masterpiece. His one original is the brisk, foot-tapping boogie-woogie "Snugly but Ugly."

Live album from the post-Peter Green Fleetwood Mac with John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, Jeremy Spencer and Danny Kirwan…

Good underground from Munich, played by master musicians. The 18 minute song "Sub theme I" is almost unrivaled. From the masters. Originally released in a minimal edition in 1970, this is underground at its best. The album is worth much more than US$ 1000. The master tapes were perfectly recorded at the well known Munich Union studio and survived without damages 24 years. Although tracks like "Ma-mari-huana’’ are far more psychedelic, the selected "Match I" shows more of the band’s artscraft. This is one of the label’s best CDs, with five bonus tracks and an expensive 24 page coloured booklet. For many years now this release has been high on collectors wanted lists. This issue includes all the original LP and 5 bonus cuts…