Ulf Johansson - Trackin The Wulf

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Review by Scot Baker

Trackin’ The Wulf: A Swedish Jazz Gem That Still Swings If you’re a fan of jazz that feels like sipping coffee on a crisp autumn morning, Trackin’ The Wulf by Ulf Johansson is worth your time. Released in 1991 under the Swedish label Phontastic, this album isn’t just another collection of standards—it’s got soul, personality, and enough charm to make you hit repeat. Produced by Anders R Öhman and featuring some killer contributions (like Kicki Werre-Johansson’s vocals), it’s one of those records where every note feels intentional. Let me tell ya, two tracks really stuck with me after giving this a spin: “Sophisticated Lady” and “Moose Blues.” First off, “Sophisticated Lady”—man, Ulf’s piano work here is silky smooth. It’s not flashy or over-the-top; instead, he lets the melody breathe, weaving through the tune like it’s an old friend. You can almost picture him at a dimly lit club, fingers dancing across the keys while everyone else just nods along, mesmerized. And then there’s “Moose Blues,” which is exactly what it sounds like—a quirky little number that feels playful yet deeply rooted in tradition. It’s got this loose, jam-session vibe that makes you wanna grab a drink and start tapping your foot uncontrollably. What I love about this record is how it balances nostalgia with originality. Sure, tunes like “How High The Moon” and “Embraceable You” are classics for a reason, but Ulf brings his own flavor to them. His voice, when he sings on tracks like “2.19 Blues,” adds a raw honesty that feels refreshing. Plus, having Kicki step in for vocals gives the album a nice dynamic—her voice pairs beautifully with Ulf’s more laid-back style. The production quality deserves a shoutout too. Engineer Gert Palmcrantz did a bang-up job capturing the warmth of the instruments without making things sound overly polished. And let’s not forget Willy Yhr’s artwork—it’s simple but striking, kinda like the music itself. Even the liner notes by Anders R Öhman give you a sense of care and attention to detail. These folks weren’t just phoning it in. Now, something funny about this album? Listening to it made me realize how much we take moose-related content for granted. Seriously, between “Moose Blues” and “Sitoälvens Glans” (whatever that means—I’m still Googling), it’s clear Sweden loves its wildlife as much as its jazz. Maybe next time I’ll listen while wearing antlers. Who knows? Anyway, if you’re looking for a jazz album that doesn’t try too hard but still knocks it outta the park, Trackin’ The Wulf is a winner. Give it a listen—you might find yourself humming “Sophisticated Lady” all day long… or wondering why no one’s written a blues song about squirrels yet.

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Artist: Ulf Johansson
Album: Trackin The Wulf

Table of Contents

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Filename: ulf-johansson-trackin-the-wulf.zip
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Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Song Of Sarek
Sophisticated Lady
Sitoälvens Glans
Moose Blues
Leopard Shoe
Until The Real Thing Comes Along
Nice Work If You Can Get It
Sweet Georgia Brown
Sweet Lorraine
Lover, Come Back
These Foolish Things
China Boy
You've Changed
2.19 Blues
How High The Moon
Embraceable You

Images

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Catalog Numbers

PHONT NCD 8809

Labels

Phontastic

Listen online

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  • lytte på nettet
  • online anhören
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Formats

  • CD
  • Album

Companies

RoleCompany
Phonographic Copyright (p)Phontastic
Copyright (c)Phontastic

Credits

RoleCredit
ArtworkWilly Yhr
EngineerGert Palmcrantz
Photography ByOlle Cederqvist, Torgny Tidstrand
PianoUlf Johansson
ProducerAnders R Öhman
Liner NotesAnders R Öhman
VocalsKicki Werre-Johansson, Ulf Johansson (tracks: 2, 6, 11, 15)

About Ulf Johansson

Swedish pianist, trombonist, vocalist, composer, arranger and orchestra leader. Born in Lövånger, Sweden 1956-01-16. Moved to Uppsala, Sweden in 1963.

Real Name

    • Ulf Erland Johansson Werre

Name Vars

  • Johansson
  • Johansson Werre
  • U. Johansson
  • Ulf Johansson
  • Ulf Johansson-Werre

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s something cool: The album *Trackin’ The Wulf* by Ulf Johansson isn’t just another jazz record. Released in 1991 in Sweden, it blends classic jazz standards with original tunes, showcasing Ulf’s talent on the piano. What makes it special? His wife, Kicki Werre-Johansson, joins him on vocals for a few tracks, adding a personal touch. The album even features a track called "Song of Sarek," inspired by the stunning Sarek National Park in Sweden. With artwork by Willy Yhr and production by Anders R. Öhman, it’s a true team effort. A hidden gem for jazz lovers!