The pianist Jan Johansson's revolutionary jazz treatments of traditional Swedish folk songs were a few years away, and he had yet to experiment with modal playing and avant-garde jazz. At this point, he was still playing mostly hard bop, which is the style that dominates here. It gets off to an impressive start with four recordings from Johansson's first session with alto saxophonist Arne Domnerus in 1959. After that, Johansson is heard as a trio pianist in 1959 and 1960. The Swede's expressive pianism

demonstrates that while Bud Powell had been a big influence on him, he was quite willing to incorporate the ideas of others who came along, ranged from Bill Evans to Red Garland. Like Miles Davis and John Coltrane, Johansson was far from complacent; he believed in challenging himself and continuing to forge ahead.

Exactly Like You2:14

Where Or When4:04

Sometimes I´m Happy3:04

There´s A Small Hotel3:14

Younger Than Springtime5:50

Love For Sale5:40

Autumn Leaves3:12

Now See How You Are6:40

Mack The Knife2:54

Serenade In Blue2:59

Beck´s3:25

Swingin´ The Blues5:36

Serenade In Blue (Alt Take)2:51

Beck´s (Alt Take)3:25

Swingin´ The Blues (Alt Take)5:41

Suburban Street3:44