Since 1999 Mattias Ståhl (born 1971) has been attracting much attention for his very personal and dynamic approach to the vibraphone. Apart from leading his own quartet Ståhls Blå (rhymes with Saul's Law) Mattias also plays with Fredrik Nordström's Quartet and Octet (on Dragon DRCD 341 "Urgency"), and the Swedish Grammy-winning group (on Phono Suecia PSCD 118 "Seven Pieces"), led by Lennart Åberg, a musician who has influenced Mattias in many respects. Mattias has taken a strong interest in the music of pianist (and, less well known, vibraphonist) Jan Johansson (1931 - 1968), Ornette Coleman and Carla Bley as well as the free improvisation scene in Stockholm. Among other vibraphonists Mattias names Bobby Hutcherson and Gary Burton amongst his favourites.

As a composer Mattias Ståhl creates pieces with particularly angular but logical framework which perhaps can be described as post-Ornette Coleman in conception. They are not only extremely original but in some cases technically demanding to play (when asked if his title "Hard" meant hard=resilient or hard=difficult, he replied unhesitatingly... "both"). His themes act as siren calls to an open landscape of improvisation to which each member of the group responds readily. "Oppsummere" is a completely spontaneous vibraphone/soprano sax duet which demonstrates admirably the close communication which exists within Ståhls Blå.

Joakim Milder, internationally recognised as not only a very individual saxophonist but a composer and leader in his own right, never fails to amaze with his totally unpredictable choice of notes. The unique timbre in his sound is combined with a disarmingly apparent lack of technical limitations. His authority in the field of improvised music is beyond question.

Filip Augustson, a musician nowadays very much in demand, has become one of Sweden's most flexible bassists, capable of holding together passages of loose metric freedom while always knowing exactly when and where to land on firmer ground. His solos too always reflect an attitude of deep involvement in the direction the music is travelling.

Thomas Strønen is a Norwegian whose drumming is so compatible to the group that he is regarded as an essential member even though geographically he lives in a different region of Scandinavia. Not only does he contribute to the rhythmic elements but the different tone colours and sounds he produces from his drum kit and diverse percussion make him a soloist of equal validity. There are also many examples of his vivid imagination and eagerness to play a melodic role in the music (listen specially to "Zinken").

The four members of the group are a well-functioning unit in the art of jazz improvisation with a free but disciplined attitude. Whether they find themselves in a soloist's role or acting within the ensemble there is an air of adventure over their performances which carries the attentive listener on a journey through a fascinating landscape.

Ståhls Blå has emerged as a beautiful new bright star in the firmament of Scandinavian jazz. Long may it shine!

Dave Castle, September 2001