Patrik Jansson isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel on ‘IV’ but by stripping away the horn and string flourishes of previous albums the Swedish singer/guitarist shifts the focus to the songs with the emphasis firmly on a band aesthetic. This approach shines a light on new keyboardist Lars Eriksson whose contributions are vital to the overall sound and success of the album.

‘She Ain’t Gonna Come Back Any More’ kicks things off with Eriksson’s organ smudges complementing Jansson’s light guitar licks while the rhythm section of Thomas Andersson (bass) and Martin Forstedt (drums) keep things, as the saying goes, tight but loose. Andersson’s prominent playing adding subtle warmth to the overall sound. The track has a relaxed Albert King/Robert Cray vibe and Eriksson and Jansson both contribute nice solos. ‘A Love Like Yours’ picks things up a little with Jansson switching effortlessly from funky rhythm chops to fluid lead lines. I don’t imagine Jansson would claim to be the most natural of vocalists but his languid delivery gets the job done and suits the songs well.

The album steps up a gear, while slowing things down, for ‘Love Will Find A Way’ a nicely judged piano blues which proves a welcome diversion as Eriksson’s extended solo features some cool jazzy playing. The relaxed ‘Same Thing All Over Again’ might well be the best track on the record. I really like the arrangement and the combination of Eriksson’s piano/organ and Jansson’s guitar fills work well together. The instrumental ‘She Said What?’ is another winner as Jansson and Eriksson continue to trade jazzy musical blows. Slow blues connoisseurs should enjoy ‘Only The Lonely’ while it just wouldn’t be right if two tracks didn’t have ‘Blues’ in the title especially the bonus track ‘Nothing But The Blues’ which sounds like it should have been on a pre-1987 Whitesnake or Great White album (no bad thing).

As I mentioned earlier this is very much a band record and fans who like their blues jazzy with plenty of keys will enjoy IV as much as guitar fans. Well played and nicely arranged ‘IV’ is a cool listen. With the blues, it’s all about the feel and delivery and the Patrik Jansson Band have that down.

IV is available now via Sneaky Foot Records.

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