Rune Gustafsson - Rune At The Top (BELTER, 1969, Sweden)

Rune Gustafsson was a Swedish jazz guitarist and composer, who played in his early times with famed clarinetist Putte Wickman and Arne Domnérus bands. He gained recognition in the seventies for composing Swedish film soundtracks like cult classic “The Man Who Quit Smoking. He also contributed in two Zoot Sims recordings.

This entry covers his second record, consisting on a bright ensemble of jazzy easy listening songs –as an exercise to get rid of the freezing climate in Sweden- where the acoustic concerto guitar is the main character.

There’s nothing outstanding yet it’s a really nice listening experience, especially for the relaxed and joyful mood it transpires. The guitar playing is pretty good and pleasant, in a Jim Hall way. As said, guitar is mainly acoustic with the exception of few tracks where he switches to electric. Rhythm section is well balanced in a sober way, including piano, bass and drums. Arrangements are very nice too, with satisfying string and brass sections.    

Most of the songs are jazzy covers of well-known pop songs like “California Soul”, “The Fool on the Hill”, “California Dreaming” and “The Look of Love”. There are three Jim Webb classics too. “Me on the See-Saw” is perhaps the most conventional jazz track of the album, a good one indeed.  

So don’t be fooled by the Swedish climate, here we have a delightful easy-listening record, just perfect for a laid-back mood contemplating the sunset!!!

Tracks

A1.California Soul (Nickolas Ashford-Valerie Simpson)

A2. Wichita Lineman (Jim Webb)

A3. The Fool on the Hill (John Lennon-Paul MacCartney)

A4. The Look of Love (Burt Bacharach-Hal David)

A5. Me on the See-Saw (Pugh Rogefeldt)

B1. Son of a Preacher Man (David John Hurley-Stephen Ronnie Wilkins)

B2. California Dreaming (John Phillips)

B3. Waltz-A-Nova (Bengt Hallberg)

B4. By the Time I Get to Phoenix (Jim Webb)

B5. Up-up and Away (Jim Webb)

Personnel

Rune Gustafsson: Guitars

Kjell Öhman: Piano

George Wadenius: Bass

John Christiensen: Drums

George Riedel: Arrangements

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Buddy Cole at the Pipe Organ - Pipes, Pedals and Fidelity (Columbia, USA, 196?)

Buddy Cole was a jazz pianist and orchestra leader, best known for his work as back musician with celebrities like Bing Crosby, Johnnie Ray or Rosemary Clooney. He was also a passionate organ player; recording some amazing Lp’s featuring the legendary 17-rank Wurlitzer organ. One of these sessions is the topic of today’s post. 

What we find in ‘Pipes, Pedals and Fidelity’ is a moody interpretation of standards where the theatre organ is the main and only protagonist. Just for the pleasure of hearing the aforementioned instrument heavenly touched by the maestro. And what amazes me the most is the vast range of voices, textures, layers and effects that can produce; simulating a complete orchestra and creating an extremely reminiscent atmosphere of the good old days of romantic cinema. 

Interesting to note too is the story behind the organ. As recalled in the liner notes, it was originally built for a movie theatre in Iowa, but was installed at approximately the same time that the screen began to make noise and as a result was not put to frequent use. It was returned to its manufacturers in Los Angeles, who shortly thereafter installed it in the studios of United Artists. Here it was used for radio broadcasts and for recording movie scores for a time, later being moved to a radio studio. In 1947, it was dismantled and reinstalled in the home studio of Buddy Cole, under the supervision of Henry Pope, one of America’s major organ specialists, and there it remains. I wonder where shall it be nowadays but I’m sure that after all that trot it will still be one-piece.  

Side A is pretty good though having a cut that, in my humble opinion, ruins the whole mood (‘The Peanut Vendor’) but side B is impeccable. Every track in there is a winner.  And by the way, ‘Caravan’ is dog nuts!

So, that’s a good opportunity to discover a record devoted to the memorable full-throated sound of the theatre organ, so rare to hear nowadays. 

Tracks

A1. Serenade in Blue (Gordon Warren)

A2. The Peanut Vendor (Sunshine–Gilbert–Simons)

A3. One Morning in May (Parish-Carmichael)

A4. Mine (I. Gershwin-G. Gershwin)

A5. Everytime I See You I’m In Love Again (B. Cole)

A6. Carioca (G. Kahn-Eliscu-Youmans)

B1. Caravan (I. Mills-Tizol-D. Ellington)

B2. Willow Weep For Me (Ronell)

B3. Jeannine (I Dream of Lilac Time) (Gilbert)

B4. I Get the Blue When It Rains (Klauber-Stoddard)

B5. You Go To My Head (H. Gillespie-Coots)

Personnel

Buddy Cole – Theatre Organ 

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