California Sessions

Stan Hasselgard / CALIFORNIA - The legendary Swedish clarinettist Åke 'Stan' Hasselgard (1922-48) lived during the fall of 1947 and spring of 1948 in Hollywood, where he befriended and played with many well-known musician. It was also here he first recorded 'Swedish Pastry' at a sextet session for the Capitol record company. 'California Sessions' contain 'live' and studio recordings from this period, including some numbers that are being presented for the first time on CD. Among them is a tune with vibraphonist Johnny White, where Hasselgard not only plays clarinet but also sings - with a parody of a Swedish accent. We can also hear him together with singer Frances Wayne, singer and valve-trombonist Billy Eckstine, guitarist Barney Kessel, tenor saxophonist Wardell Gray, vibraphonist Red Norvo - and three of the finest pianists of the time: Arnold Ross, Dodo Marmarosa and Jimmy Rowles.