Características
After a year and a half of production, Bert “East” Östlund presents his second album on Opus 3 – given the extended production time, this is certainly one of the most elaborate projects in the history of Opus 3 Records and therefore also a labor of love for label boss Jan-Eric Persson. “It's Never Too Late” is a journey back in time to the early years of pop – inspired by the period between 1954 and 1963, which had a lasting impact on the definition of pop music – and marks a milestone in the history of the label in terms of production technology. In addition to a string orchestra, the musicians around Bert Östlund and Roger Ekman, who is both bassist and producer of the album, played 20 tracks in radio-friendly length. Technically top-notch and an equally successful and magnificent homage to the pop music of the 50s and 60s! “This is music that will put a smile on your face” (John Crossett, www.theaudiobeat.com).
Instead of recording cover versions, Bert Östlund wanted to produce new, original material from the outset. However, he wanted to clearly reference the style, sound and genre of the great bands of that era. Whenever possible, original instruments from that era were to be used, e.g., the exact same Hammond organ that Johnny & The Hurricanes used or the same guitar, a '62 Fender Stratocaster, that Hank Marvin And The Shadows played. Even an ultra-rare example of the electric UniVox keyboard from the 1950s (a precursor to later synthesizers), as used by The Tornados on their 1962 hit “Telstar,” the first British number one hit in the US, is featured on “It's Never Too Late.” To achieve maximum authenticity, dozens of genuine vintage microphones were procured and used. Representative examples include an American RCA 44 A ribbon microphone from 1934 (for the room acoustics of saxophones and drums, etc.) and an STC 4038 Coles Electroacoustics, a ribbon microphone developed by the BBC in the 1950s.
The outstanding Hybrid SACD from Opus 3 Records contains a booklet with detailed information about the recording technology and microphones used.
MUSICIANS
Bert Dan Östlund: guitars, keyboardsRoger Ekman: electric & upright bassesHåkan Tingshagen: drums & percussionPer Westling: tenor & baritone Saxes
1. Happy Feet
2. New Adventures
3. Shaken Not Stirred
4. Greyhound Ride
5. March Of The Harp
6. Snake Rattle An Roll
7. Hey Man
8. Pick It Up
9. Sting On
10. Dreamland
11. Rush Hour
12. The Fuglesang Song
13. Time Out
14. Pianoogie
15. Fat Monday
16. Raindance
17. Downbeat
18. Rocking Moose
19. Soulfood
20. It's Never Too Late