Johannesson, Schultz & Berglund - Cause and Effect (2012)

Peter Johannesson and Max Schultz first met in 1977 and have since worked together in numerous musical situations. Peter's first CD "Sixtus" featuring Herbie Hancock was recorded in 1995. Max was also there and contributed several compositions. Peter's collaboration with Herbie Hancock has continued through the years with concerts, tours and television appearances. Peter's second CD "New Life" was made in 2005 with his band "Sixtus," which featured long time friends Peter Asplund, Hеkan Brostrцm, Magnus Lindgren, Karin Hammar, Daniel Tilling, and of course Max, among others. Everyone in the band contributed works on that recording. This eight-man band was and is still used often by their friend Svante Thuresson. Max was part of Svantes legendary "Jag дr hip" recording from 1995, which featured texts of Beppe Wolgers. In 2008 "Johannesson & Schultz" was recorded together with Martin Sjцstedt on bass and their childhood idol Bobo Stenson on piano.
Now, years later Peter and Max's collaboration with bassist Dan Berglund has grown. Dan's energetic bass has been heard the world over with Esbjцrn Svensson trio. Dan performs today with multiple grammy award winners Tonbruket. Peter, Max and Dan have played together extensively the past few years and accomplished something rather uncommon in jazz circles; composing music together. Peter often had a progression, a bassline or a "groove" which Dan built upon further which led Max into an idea, or vice versa. A comfortable creative atmosphere formed between these experienced musicians. Peter, Max and Dan's musical tastes are very broad, as witnessed by the choice of works on this recording. Bjцrk, Coltrane, Stravinskij and even Max's childhood idol Jimi Hendrix are represented. Max took up the guitar after seeing Hendrix perform at Grцna Lund in Stockholm, 1970. Six years later, also at Grцna Lund Peter saw his own childhood idol Herbie Hancock play and shortly thereafter found himself in a lifelong friendship with this jazz giant. Pianist Jacob Karlzon is ever present in Peter, Max and Dan's compositions. On only one occasion have the four performed together on stage; at Bomans first Jazz Festival in Trosa 2011, and they connected from the very first tones. Peter felt a great desire to have Karlzon's fabulous tonal concept and driving piano style pervade this record. On May 30 Jacob arrived by plane from Germany after performing a series of concerts throughout Europe and went directly into the studio for the recording, where he sat down and played this incomparable piano performance. Just before Jacob was rushing away to the next flight that evening Max realized they had forgotten the beautiful new ballad, "The Letter." Jacob glanced through the sheet music for a few seconds and when Peter asked for a piano intro… Jacob played the enchanting introduction which proceeds "The Letter." For your enjoyment, here is Cause and Effect.

Tracklist:

1. Naima (John Coltrane)
2. Lennart & Katarina (Johannesson, Schultz & Berglund)
3. Isobel (Björk)
4. PJ’s Five (Johannesson, Schultz & Berglund)
5. Firebird (Igor Stravinskij)
6. The Letter (Max Schultz)
7. Blue Elephant (Johannesson, Schultz & Berglund)
8. Third Stone From the Sun (Jimi Hendrix)
9. Password (Max Schultz)
10. Martin the Machine (Max Schultz)
11. Baretta (Johannesson, Schultz & Berglund)

Personnel:

Peter Johannesson - drums;
Max Schultz - guitar;
Dan Berglund - bass;
Jacob Karlzon - piano.