Trios: Pugh & Friends

Pugh Rogefeldt: Här Kommer Natten

[purchase]

In 1969, Torbjörn "Pugh" Rogefeldt was recording his debut album Ja, Dä Ä Dä with two giants in the Swedish psych rock scene: drummer Jan Carlsson (far left in that pic) from renowned drums & organ duo Hansson & Carlsson, one of Jimi Hendrix's favorite bands. Georg Wadenius (the one in the middle) from jazz rockers Made In Sweden, later of Blood Sweat & Tears, handled bass and electric guitar.

Pugh was only 21 when this album was cut, and you can tell from the youthful energy and playfulness that shimmers all over the whole recording, even the mellow songs.

It was rather unusual for Swedish performers to sing in their own language in 1969, and it definitely set a trend. Ja, Dä Ä Dä made it fashionable to sing in Swedish, and before you knew it you had to sing in Swedish or the huge progg movement (which should not be confused with prog) deemed you a corporate whore, America lover, a capitalist and a sellout.

Pugh made two more album in a similar style before leaving the psychedelic world for more mainstream rock that wasn't very interesting. Ja, Dä Ä Dä is perhaps the best album ever recorded in Sweden, certainly the best album ever recorded in Swedish. A whimsical, psychedelic masterpiece!