Freddie Redd – Stockholm 1956

American pianist Freddie Redd arrived in Stockholm in June 1956 as a relatively unknown artist. He had taken up an invitation from swedish trumpeter Rolf Ericson to be a part of an all-american rhythm section that Ericson would tour throughout Sweden in mid-56. The other musicians invited were bassist Tommy Potter & drummer Joe Harris. Once the touring was done with in late August, the Metronome label decided to let Redd loose in a Stockholm studio with Potter & Harris to hopefully capitalise on the glowing reviews the tour had generated. Their objective was to let them record whatever, whenever& how much music they liked. They went about cutting twelve sides over four different sessions spanning the 5th-18th of September.

I think that most of the results may have been issued on at least one 10″ LP at the time but what I have is three different 45rpm 7″ EPs that include all of the twelve tracks recorded. The first was entitled “Fishin’ In Stockholm” while the other two were just self titled. As far as piano trio records go I’d have to say I rate these sides pretty highly, not only are the performances top quality but the fidelity on these EPs is superb. They are beautiful, loud & clear recordings. I am unsure if these EPs were released outside of Sweden, but in any case the recordings are well worth tracking down in whatever format you can get them on if this style of Jazz is your thing.

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