Archimedes Badkar

Label: MNW
Country: Sweden
Released: 1975
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Introduction to Archimedes Badkar

Archimedes Badkar, a Swedish collective formed in 1972, emerged from Gröndal, Stockholm. The group is led by multi-instrumentalist Per Tjernberg, who is also a key songwriter. In 1975, they released their debut studio LP titled Badrock För Barn I Alla Åldrar, under the MNW (Musiknätet Vaxholm) label. This album is categorized under various genres, including jazz, rock, fusion, and world music, reflecting a diverse musical palette.

Musical Composition and Influences

The album features a distinctive blend of styles, incorporating elements of free jazz, Swedish folk dance tunes, and West African polyrhythms. Indian ragas and psychedelic jazz-rock further enrich the sound. Archimedes Badkar utilizes a wide array of instruments, including vibraphones, saxophones, African percussion, mandolins, and analog keyboards. This communal orchestration creates a rich auditory experience.

Track Highlights

Among the fifteen tracks on the album, "Det Stog En Kärring Uppå Torget" and "Wago-Gozeze" stand out for their unique arrangements. The sprawling 13-minute suite "Yelir" exemplifies the band's experimental approach. A freeform reinterpretation of John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme" showcases their ability to blend traditional jazz influences with innovative ideas.

Lineup and Contributions

The lineup includes Jörgen Adolfsson on soprano and tenor saxophones, acoustic guitar, and mandolin, along with Christer Bjernelind on bass guitar and acoustic guitar. Tommy Adolfsson provides trumpet and drums, while Kjell Andersson plays drums, bamboo flute, and glockenspiel. Additional contributions come from Pysen Eriksson on vibraphone and percussion, and Peter Rönnberg on guitar. The album was recorded at Musiknätet Studio and Gröndal rehearsal room in Sweden during 1974.

Recording and Label Context

Released as catalog number MNW 53P, Badrock För Barn I Alla Åldrar is a product of the left-wing Swedish Progg movement known for its experimental and politically charged music. The album reflects the spirit of this era, blending various cultural influences into a cohesive musical statement.

Conclusion

Archimedes Badkar’s debut album was recorded in 1974 at Musiknätet Studio, Waxholm, Sweden.

Tracklist

A1	Det Stod En Kärring Uppå Torget Bass [Bas] – ChristerDrums [Trummor] – KjelleElectric Guitar [Elgitarr] – MatsElectric Guitar [Elgitarr] – PeterOrgan [Orgel], Piano [Spikpiano], Wood Block [Träklockor] – PerTambourine [Tamburin], Congas – PysenWritten-By – P. Tjernberg*	2:06
A2a	Kalimba / Från Gröndals Djupa Skogar Kalimba [Afrikanskt Tumpiano] – PerWritten-By – P. Tjernberg	0:40
A2b	Sweet Love Electric Guitar [Elgitarr] – PeterElectric Piano, Piano – PerSlide Guitar [Slajdgitarr], Acoustic Guitar [Akustisk Gitarr] – ChristerSoprano Saxophone [Sopransax], Mandolin – JörgenTriangle [Triangel] – PysenTrumpet – TommyWritten-By – P. Tjernberg*	3:23
A3	Wago-Gozeze Bass [Bas] – MatsCowbell [Koskällor] – PysenDrums, Temple Block – KjelleElectric Guitar [Elgitarr] – ChristerElectric Guitar [Elgitarr] – PeterPiano [Akustiskt Piano], Percussion [Div. Slagverk] – PerShaker [Axatse (Calebass)], Talking Drum [Donno ("Talking Drum")], Cymbal – Bengt "Beche" BergerTenor Saxophone [Tenorsax] – JörgenTrumpet – TommyWritten-By – C. Bjernelind	3:10
A4a	Yelir Choir – Exidor Thules Extas-KörElectric Guitar [Leslie-gitarr] – MatsElectric Piano, Organ [Orgel] – PerPerformer [Div. Tingel-Tangel] – Micki LundinSoprano Saxophone [Sopransaxar] – JörgenTambourine [Tamburin] – Ingvar KarkoffWood Block [Träblock], Congas, Drums [Djungeltrummor], Bells [Bjällror, Klockor Från Hela Världen] – KjelleWritten-By – Badkaret*	13:28
A4b	Samepojkens Jaktlåt Acoustic Guitar [Akustisk Gitarr] – JörgenConcert Flute [Tvärflöjt] – MickiElectric Guitar [Elgitarr] – MatsElectric Piano [Elpiano] – PerFlute [Kinesisk Bambuflöjt] – KjelleWritten-By – C. Bjernelind	1:30
A4c	Del Tre Acoustic Guitar [Akustisk Gitarr] – JörgenFinger Cymbals [Fingercymbaler] – PerWritten-By – J. Adolfsson*	3:18
B1	Låt Tusen Taxar Springa Mandola – JörgenWritten-By – J. Adolfsson	2:50
B2	Mister X Bass [Bas], Tambourine [Tamburin] – ChristerCongas, Tambourine [Tamburin] – PysenDrums [Trummor] – KjelleElectric Guitar [Elgitarr] – PeterElectric Guitar [Leslie-gitarr] – MatsPiano, Marimba, Whistle [Visselpipa], Rattle [Harskramla] – PerSoprano Saxophone [Sopransax] – JörgenTrumpet – TommyWritten-By – P. Tjernberg*	3:26
B3	Sammansmältningen Acoustic Guitar [Akustisk Gitarr] – PeterBass [Bas] – ChristerBells [Bjällror, Klockor], Tambourine [Tamburin] – PysenDrums [Trummor] – KjelleElectric Guitar [Elgitarr] – MatsOrgan [Orgel], Bells [Bjällror], Maracas – PerSoprano Saxophone [Sopransax] – JörgenTrumpet – TommyWritten-By – M. Hellqvist*	5:00
B4	A Love Supreme Acoustic Guitar [Akustisk Gitarr], Vibraslap – PeterBass [Bas] – ChristerBells [Bjällror], Tambourine [Tamburin] – PysenDrums [Trummor] – KjelleElectric Guitar [Elgitarr] – MatsElectric Piano [Elpiano Med "Fasförskjutning"] – PerTenor Saxophone [Tenorsax] – JörgenTrumpet – TommyWritten-By – John Coltrane	3:25
B5	Järnet! Bass [Bas] – ChristerCongas – BecheCowbell [Koskällor], Timbales – Ulf BrantåsDrums [Marockanska Lertrummor] – PysenDrums [Trummor] – KjelleElectric Guitar [Elgitarr] – PeterElectric Piano [Elpiano] – PerWritten-By – Badkaret*	2:09
B6	Den Badande Gurun Arranged By [Blåsarrangemang] – Ingvar KarkoffBass [Bas] – ChristerConcert Flute [Tvärflöjt] – Micki LundinCowbell [Koskälla], Timbales – Ulf BrantåsDrums [Trummor] – KjelleElectric Guitar [Elgitarr] – MatsElectric Guitar [Elgitarr] – PeterPiano, Cuica – PerSoprano Saxophone [Sopransax] – JörgenTrumpet – TommyWritten-By – K. Andersson	1:15
B7	Morgonstjärnan Bass [Bas] – MatsBells [Bjällror], Finger Cymbals [Fingercymbaler] – PysenChimes, Bells [Klockor] – Malin TrollbäckDrums [Trummor] – KjelleElectric Guitar [2 Elgitarrer] – ChristerElectric Guitar [Leslie-gitarr] – PeterSnare [Virveltrumma] – BecheSoprano Saxophone [Sopransax] – JörgenTemple Block, Bells [Bjällror] – PerTrumpet – TommyWritten-By – C. Bjernelind	5:20
B8	Repris Electric Guitar [Elgitarr], Bells [Klockor] – MatsGlockenspiel [Klockspel] – KjellePiano – ChristerTriangle [Triangel], Chimes – PeterVibraphone [Vibrafon] – PerWritten-By – P. TjernbergXylophone [Xylofon] – Pysen*	1:36