As reissues go, this one is practically priceless. Compiled on
In Stockholm are two of Hungarian guitar virtuoso
Gabor Szabo's most obscure, finest, and most serious jazz albums, recorded with small groups of Swiss musicians (including master guitarist
Janne Schaffer). Neither title has ever been available on CD before, though they have seen many LP incarnations. The first,
Small World, was taped and issued in 1972; its lineup consisted of
Szabo, with a trio on five of the eight cuts, augmented by
Schaffer and
Berndt Egarbladh on electric piano on the other three. The two absolute stunners are the 14-minute-plus rendition of
Szabo's classic "Mizrab," with wondrous guitar interplay between the two guitar-slingers. And its final track, one of the most beautiful and moving renditions of
Rodrigo's "Concierto De Aranjuez." The add to this
Belsta River, from 1978, featuring
Schaffer on all the tracks, and in a dual guitar role along with bassist
Pekka Pohjola in a sextet setting with just four drawn-out, free-flowing cuts. Highlights of
Belsta River include the stunning dialogue between the guitarists, on the 14-minute "24 Carat," by
Szabo. It's a blowing session that showcases fine intuitive bassing from
Pohjola, and tasteful, unintrusive, but driving word from keyboardist
Wlodek Gulgowski. In addition, there is a very poetic and innovative read of "Django," by
the Modern Jazz Quartet's
John Lewis. Here,
Szabo emulates his greatest influence, and takes the gypsy guitar angle to its limit.
In Stockholm is a bit difficult to find, but can be tracked down on the Internet. This album is a must for fans of
Szabo's more serious, less exotic, jazz playing.