In Stockholm by Gabor Szabo

19 Jul

Written by Michael Bettine
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This 2-CD Swedish release is a reissue of the Hungarian guitar great with an array of Swedish musicians. Szabo was a gifted guitarist and composer who died in 1982. The fir…

This 2-CD Swedish release is a reissue of the Hungarian guitar great with an array of Swedish musicians. Szabo was a gifted guitarist and composer who died in 1982. The first disc, Small World, pairs him with Swedish guitarist Janne Schaffer. The two work well together, weaving their guitar lines in and out. For the most part this is smooth jazz, sometimes with a Gypsy flavor.

The second disc, Belsta River, is a bit harder edged, with 24 Carat sounding like a slightly lighter Al DiMeola. With the Fender Rhodes and heavier drumming it comes off as rather typical late 1970's fusion. While both discs are well played, they often show their age, sounding dated. Recommended for fans of the late guitarist or those still stuck in late 1970's electric fusion styles.