Temple of Divine Mother
Here is a feature-style look at the 2005 sessions that defined his "New York" sound. The Session: Nola’s Penthouse, 2005
Lundgren is often described as a pioneer who melds the bebop tradition with the melodic "coolness" of his Swedish roots. Critics noted that these sessions captured a "supergroup" energy—Lundgren’s ability to create space and maintain a melodic core even while navigating complex, pulsating grooves.
Lundgren was joined by two of the most disciplined and respected "engine room" players in modern jazz: (bass) and Kenny Washington (drums). Together, they recorded In New York for the independent Japanese label Marshmallow Records . A Masterclass in Standards and Originals
On May 31 and June 1, 2005, Jan Lundgren entered on 57th Street, a legendary space situated directly above the Steinway showroom. The setting was quintessential New York: a historic studio (since replaced by Billionaire’s Row) where the air was thick with the history of the Steinway pianos below.
The tracklist was a blend of Lundgren’s personal favorites and selections from producer Mitsuo Johfu. It served as a bridge between the American Songbook and Lundgren’s sophisticated European sensibilities.
Johfu requested the inclusion of "Autumn in New York," "Cherokee," and "The Gypsy".