About Time by StreetSwingers: A Jazz Time Capsule That Still Swings
If you’re a jazz lover—or even if you’re just dipping your toes into this wild, smoky world of horns and soul—you need to hear About Time by StreetSwingers. Released in 1969 on Hot Club Records, this album feels like finding an old vinyl at a flea market that somehow still smells new. It’s got grit, heart, and enough swing to make your feet tap uncontrollably. Featuring Erik Amundsen, Erling Wicklund, and Jan Berger, the trio brings something raw yet refined to the table. Let me tell ya, this ain’t your polished, overproduced modern jazz—it’s real, unfiltered magic.
Now, let’s talk tracks because there are some absolute gems here. First up, “Stompin’ At The Savoy.” Man, this one hits hard right outta the gate. The rhythm grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. You can almost picture yourself in some dimly lit club back in the day, cigarette smoke curling around the room while couples twirl across the dance floor. There’s a kind of reckless joy in how they play it—like they don’t care who’s listening but know damn well you won’t be able to ignore them. Every note feels alive, unpredictable, like anything could happen next. And honestly? That’s what makes it stick with me.
Then there’s “Well You Needn’t,” which is just… chef’s kiss. This track has attitude for days. It starts off sly, teasing you with its laid-back groove before exploding into these fiery solos that feel like someone lighting a match in a dark room. It’s playful, daring, and kinda cocky in all the best ways. I swear, every time I listen to it, I catch myself grinning like an idiot. Like, how do you not move to this? It’s impossible!
But beyond those standout moments, what really gets me about About Time is how human it feels. These guys weren’t trying to reinvent jazz—they were just living it, breathing it, letting it flow through their instruments. Tracks like “Underbart Är Kort” (yeah, I had to Google how to pronounce that) add this dreamy, almost melancholic vibe that balances out the high-energy numbers. And when they dive into standards like “All the Things You Are” or “On Green Dolphin Street,” it’s clear they’ve got respect for tradition—but they’re not afraid to put their own stamp on it either.
Here’s the thing: listening to About Time feels like eavesdropping on a conversation between three friends who speak fluent jazz. They laugh, argue, celebrate, and reminisce—all without saying a word. And maybe that’s why it sticks with you long after the needle lifts off the record.
Oh, and here’s a weird thought to leave you with: If this album were a person, I think it’d wear scuffed-up leather shoes, carry a flask in its pocket, and always show up late to parties—but everyone would still love having it around anyway.
