In the spring of 1998, I received a commission from Rikskonserter to compose 40 minutes of music. I wrote a piece titled Solfége Syncope, which premiered during the Stockholm Jazz Festival that year, at the venue now known as Musikaliska.
This led to an opportunity in 2000 to do a longer tour with my ensemble, organized by Rikskonserter (The Swedish Concert Institute). All the concerts were recorded by our sound engineer, Surte Norin. I later selected a number of these recordings, which became our debut CD aLive. The album was released by Dragon Records and received very positive reviews in the Nordic music press.
A bit of technical background: when it came time to mix the album, sound engineer Johannes Lundberg discovered that the two tape machines used during the recordings had not been properly synchronized, resulting in strange audio artifacts. Fortunately, Johannes was able to re-sync the recordings afterward, making it possible to use the material.
- I Intro
- III Recapitulation
- Fyra Toner
- Melodia II
- Ballade Mystique
- The Crack’s
- Psalm
- Melodia I
- IV Ending
- Stigen månen går
- Melodia III
- The Jigsaw Theory
- Eiram’s Vals
All compositions and arrangements by Peter Danemo except where #4 by Mattias Svensson and #11 by Krister Jonsson.
#1, #2 and #9 are from the suite Solfège Syncope (not included in its entirety), commissioned by the Swedish Concert Institute. #3, #6, #7, #10, #12 and #13 were commissioned by The Swedish Radio P2.
Musicians:
Staffan Svensson – trumpet
Flemming Agerskov – trumpet, flugelhorn
Peter Dahlgren – trombone
Per ”Texas” Johansson – clarinet, bass clarinet
Cennet Jönsson – soprano saxophone, bass clarinet
Fredrik Lundin – soprano and tenor saxophone, flute, bass flute
Mattias Svensson – acoustic
Krister Jonsson – guitar
Peter Danemo – drums
Recorded live 20-25 March 2000 during a tour in Sweden. Recording engineer Surte Noring except #6 Owe Davidsson.
Mixed in Studio Bunkern Göteborgare by Johannes Lundberg and Peter Danemo with assistance from Staffan Svensson.
Photos by Mats Persson
Album design by Peter Danemo/Sofia Westin. FORMetc.
Excecutive producer Lars Westin
Produced by Peter Danemo
Although aLive is long out of print and not available on streaming platforms, it can probably be found through second-hand dealers or antiquarian bookshops.
Here’s a treat, one song that gives a glimpse of the vibe on the album. Listen to the fiery solo battle between Staffan Svensson – trumpet, and Cennet Jönson – soprano saxophone.