Características
Before founding the Opus 3 label, Jan-Eric Persson had already worked for several major labels and Swedish radio as a sound and recording engineer. During this time, Persson met big band leader Gugge Hedrenius. The two quickly became friends, and Persson repeatedly recorded live concerts and studio recordings of the big band when the opportunity arose. A few months before the official launch of Opus 3, in September 1975 to be precise, this concert recording was made of the Stockholm-based combo, which included some of Sweden's most renowned jazz musicians among its members. At the same time, two true jazz greats from the USA were guest performers in Gugge Hedrenius' band: Mel Lewis and Thad Jones. This unique audio document only recently resurfaced in the archives of the renowned Swedish label and shows how much the two American musicians and the musicians around Gugge Hedrenius inspired each other to perform at their best. Beyond that, this magnificent production is also a splendid example of Jan-Eric Persson's understanding of reduced analog recording art.
The LP (180-gram vinyl, 33 RPM), which boasts outstanding sound quality, was pressed by Optimal Media. Andreas “Lupo” Lubich (Calyx Mastering, Berlin) is responsible for the lacquer disc cutting.
MUSICIANS
Gugge Hedenius Big Blues Band: Gugge Hedrenius, Anders Lindskog, Anders Norell, Bernt Rosengren, Bertil Lövgren, Bertil Strandberg, Bosse Broberg, Carl Lundborg, Charlie Malmberg, Chris Holmström, Christer Boustedt, Dave Castle, Dicken Hedrenius, Georg Riedel, Göran Larsén, Håkan Nyqvist, Håkan Werling, Hank Crawford, Hector Bingert, Henrik Blommé
Lasse Lundström: bassMel Lewis: drums Thad Jones: trumpet
Side A1. Stoney Lonesome2. Angel Eyes3. Easy4. SBMN Blues
Side B1. Big Blues Waltz2. Big Blues Brent3. Big Blues Samba4. Kick Off Blues – Part Of.