Per Sjödin
Gentle Thoughts
(Lovestreet records)

By Vince Lewis

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.

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