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.
