Instrumental, Swedish vocals
International relevance: **
The still active Caprice Records were very active pushing unknown bands to public attention, releasing a fair number of various artists compilations in the 70s apart from their regular output of folk music, jazz and contemporary composers. Albums such as ”Det nyjazzte från Göteborg”, ”Jazz och rockstipendiater 1976”, ”Jazz och rock”, and even ”Gatumusik från Stockholm sommaren 76” reveal their consideration of yet unsigned acts. Some remained unsigned, or were forced to release music on their own to make a mark outside of Caprice's release schedule, while others got a more or less prolific career such as Änglaspel, Boojwah Kids and Claes Wetterbrandts Trio. Kattegatt had an interesting album out on their private label, while the exceptional Hayena Band and symph rockers Alter Ego (later Alter Echo) had to wait decades before finally reaching out to the public with archival releases. Vågspel, Puls, Krubbits and Marulk were less fortunate and soon disappeared in obscurity.
”Tvärsnitt” is appropriately subtitled ”13 unga svenska jazz- och rockgrupper 1978” (=”13 young Swedish jazz and rock groups 1978”), so expect some diversity in style here, ranging from prog rock to average piano jazz. But the general competence level is high – some too competent for their own good, emphasizing skill over emotional content, but some of it is in fact quite good. I've already singled out Hayena Band as way above average, and Kattegatt were indeed interesting. The track from Puls starts out as pedestrian jazz fusion but suddenly bursts with heavy Miles Davis energy circa '71-'72. Boojwah Kids are what they are, but if you're into them, their ”Gul sak som känns” is a welcome addition to their small output.
If you don't expect absolute consistency, then ”Tvärsnitt” is a fairly worthwhile compilation with the odd surprise hidden away in the tracklist.
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