Having no prior knowledge of this group, I decided to go into my first listening experience blind. I stuck the disc into the player, and let out a deep breath when I was not greeted by the angst-ridden pleas of teenage disenchantment that I have come to expect from most music that is new to me. The swirling guitar runs, tasteful piano and the hypnotically busy bass/drum groove of the opening track "Havanna Boogie," assured me that this would be a refreshing and completely different listening experience than what I was used to. In my ignorance, I figured this must be something recorded recently by the STEVE MORSE BAND or somebody. Little did I know, upon reading the press release that accompanied the disc, that this is a reissue of a well regarded Swedish prog record recorded in 1978. So I guess you could say that the music is pretty timeless.

The performances are as self indulgent as you can imagine, with everyone taking solos at some point on the disc. However, there is a human quality to the playing and a keen sense of melody that makes it somehow more accessible to the listener. I dare say that it might actually appeal to non-musicians! The fact that, according to the press release, this record was recorded in only one day, is mind blowing. Nowadays, groups would use months of recording time and cutting edge technology to try and get the textures and feeling that these cats nailed in one day of spontaneous creation. I can't find it in me to be cynical about this.

This is the perfect musical enema for those of you (like me!) sick of most of the garbage out there today. My palate now cleansed, I am now re-energized and ready to tackle whatever swill the mainstream chooses to force down our throats next.

- Broadbent

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