Gustav Lundgren, Jorge Rossy & Doug Weiss - Live at Fasching (2022) [Hi-Res]

Forty years on, Gustav Lundgren has appeared on hundreds of records. He is one of the most talked-about gypsy-jazz guitarists in the world, a former member and founder of the band The Hot Club of Sweden, but has also been heard in constellations such as Mozaique, RaFa Orchestra and Gustav Lundgren Trio. Lundgren is a master at playing not least in the spirit of Django Reinhardt. His volatile playing style has led him to musical collaborations ranging from Anne Sofie von Otter to Swedish House Mafia.

Live at Fasching is the result of an almost decade-old idea. Gustav Lundgren talked to his musical friend, Spanish drummer Jorge Rossy, about how interesting it would be to record an album as a trio. Rossy was part of Brad Mehldau's trio from 1994-2005, but he has also been heard with greats like Wayne Shorter, Charlie Haden, Carla Bley, Chick Corea and Joshua Redman. The trio project finally became a reality in May 2016 when Jorge Rossy's quintet found itself on a European tour. Rossy brought along quintet double bassist Doug Weiss and the trio took the opportunity to immortalise themselves.

Just before the pandemic broke out, the trio managed to record this concert, on February 6, 2020 at Fasching in Stockholm. The musicians are at their best, it's playful but precisely played. We hear everything from Vincent Youman's nearly century-old Tea for Two to Lundgren's own tribute To Dad, dedicated to his father who passed away suddenly. Little did the trio's musicians know just how hard the pandemic would hit their profession. Until the next concert opportunity comes along, this LP works just fine.

The material comprises jazz standards and Great American Songbook covers, preceded by Lundgren's "Till Pappa," composed in memory of his father. Axel Stordahl's "I Should Care," Miles Davis' "Solar," Jimmy McHugh's "I'm In The Mood For Love," Vincent Youmans' "Tea For Two" and Jerome Kern's "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" follow.

"No paradigms are shifted, no goalposts moved, but the eternal verities of swing and melody are celebrated." (Chris May, AllAboutJazz)

Gustav Lundgren, guitar
Doug Weiss, double bass
Jorge Rossy, drums