Made In Sweden

Label: Love Records
Country: Finland
Released: 1976
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Album Overview

"Where Do We Begin" is the final studio album by Made In Sweden, released in August 1976. This record marks a significant comeback for the Nordic supergroup, which includes members from the Finnish and Swedish music scenes. The album was released under Love Records (LRLP 207) and Sonet (SLP-2578), and it is available in a vinyl LP format.

Lineup and Contributions

The lineup features a blend of exceptional musicians. Georg "Jojje" Wadenius plays electric and acoustic guitars, piano, organ, and percussion while also contributing backing vocals and composition. He is well-known for his previous work with Blood, Sweat & Tears. Tommy Körberg, renowned for his powerful vocal delivery, leads with vocals and percussion. Pekka Pohjola on electric bass and grand piano is a key figure in Finnish progressive music, having previously played with Wigwam. Vesa Aaltonen, known for his drumming prowess, brings his experience from Tasavallan Presidentti. Wlodek Gulgowski provides a range of keyboard sounds including Fender Rhodes and Minimoog, showcasing his skills as a composer and instrumentalist.

Production Details

The album was produced and engineered by Dennis Ferrante, who is noted for his work at Record Plant in New York, including collaborations with John Lennon. The recording took place at Europa Film Studios in Bromma, Stockholm, Sweden, during April 1976. This environment contributed to the album's rich sound.

Musical Style and Composition

"Where Do We Begin" features a fusion of jazz-rock and symphonic prog. The album combines energetic jazz-funk rhythms with intricate arrangements. Tracks vary in style and length, with the title track offering a soulful introduction. The seven-minute "Manhattan Vibes" showcases jazz-rock elements, while the ten-minute "43 Sec. Of Arc Per Century" serves as an epic conclusion to the album. Each track highlights the distinct contributions of the band members, from Körberg's dramatic vocals to Pohjola's classical-influenced bass lines.

Release Context

This album represents the culmination of Made In Sweden's efforts to blend diverse musical styles and influences. Its release in 1976 comes at a time when progressive rock was evolving, and bands were seeking new ways to innovate within the genre. The collaboration of these skilled musicians from Finland and Sweden adds to the album's unique character.

The album was recorded in April 1976 at Europa Film Studios in Bromma, Stockholm, Sweden.

Tracklist

A1	Where Do We Begin Written-By – Bill TillmanWritten-By – Dawn ThompsonWritten-By – Georg Wadenius	4:27
A2	Manhattan Vibes Written-By – Wlodek Gulgowski	7:05
A3	Pop-Poem Written-By – Brian PattenWritten-By – Georg WadeniusWritten-By – Wlodek Gulgowski	3:38
A4	Our Man Written-By – Georg WadeniusWritten-By – Tommy KörbergWritten-By – Wlodek Gulgowski	5:02
B1	We Must Be Crucified Written-By – Tommy KörbergWritten-By – Wlodek Gulgowski	4:02
B2	Lady G Written-By – Wlodek Gulgowski	4:13
B3	Sometimes Written-By – Cynthia WeilWritten-By – Georg Wadenius	1:49
B4	43 Sec. Of Arc Per Century Written-By – Pekka Pohjola	10:02

Credits

Design [Album] – Kjellåke Carlanius
Drums, Percussion – Vesa Aaltonen
Electric Bass, Grand Piano – Pekka Pohjola
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Backing Vocals, Percussion – Georg Wadenius
Keyboards, Electric Piano, Synthesizer [Minimoog, String], Clarinet – Wlodek Gulgowski
Lacquer Cut By – Joe*
Photography By – Ryszard Horowitz
Photography By [Back Cover, Inner Sleeve] – Gesine Petter
Producer – Made In Sweden
Producer, Engineer – Dennis Ferrante
Technician [Technical Assistance] – Björn Almstedt
Vocals, Percussion – Tommy Körberg