It is 25 years since “Live in Stockholm” first appeared on CD, setting in motion Nils Landgren’s unparalleled career in music. And whereas the Funk Unit has long since had cult status throughout Europe, setting the standard wherever it goes, this live recording from 1994 does have something special: a particular roughness, freshness and power, and an untrammelled joy in playing. Plus the presence on the album of one of the greats of funk who delivers that extra kick, Maceo Parker. Irresistible funk-jazz with a strong sense of groove and superb soloing, then, are the essence of “Live in Stockholm”. John Coltrane’s “Impressions” evokes memories here of the Crusaders in their early 70s prime. Maceo Parker’s influence is palpable, his own special effervescence and his experience from his James Brown days…
