PATRICK RYDMAN - I WILL DO IT (2008)

Pop with jazzy, a sometimes slightly melancholic touch, but also with humor within reach. Patrick Rydman belongs to the rare kind of singers that merges jazz with other genres in a completely natural and magnificent manner. Patrick Rydman releases the album I Will Do It on the Gothenburg-based label Footprint Records.

Patrick Rydman (vocals, percussion, trumpet)

 Fabian Kallerdahl (keyboards)

Henrik Cederblom (guitars)

Josef Kallerdahl (bass)

Miko Rezler/Johan Håkansson (drums)

 Lisen Rylander (sax, backing vocals)

 Malin Dahlström (backing vocals)

Markus Ahlberg (trombone)

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review by Paul J. Youngman - KJA Advocate for VINILEMANIA.NET

The debut CD by Swedish vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and composer Patrick Rydman, I Will Do It, features a mix of smooth jazz, pop and blues. A vocalist with a sound that is reminiscent of progressive rock master, Greg Lake, formerly of King Crimson and ELP.  A very pleasant vocal tone, Mr. Rydman mixes the various styles on this recording with smooth transition, always maintaining an easy listening ambiance. The CD has an upbeat, joyful and humorous mood for the most part. This is made possible primarily through the use of some cool lyrics and some lyrical phrasing.  

An unknown group of Swedish musicians (to most North Americans) add a great backdrop to the melodic musings of Mr. Rydman. Names like Fabian Kallerdahl playing organ and piano, who plays consistently brilliant throughout and is featured on all twelve tracks.  A couple of stand outs on piano, the minimalist approach he takes on “Still Alive” and “When You’re Not Around” are very pretty.

The guitarist, Henrik Cedarblom does a superb job on such tunes as “Foghorn Conversation” with acoustic accompaniment that is very serene. He adds some screaming electric lead guitar in an effects laden manner, a nice touch to offer an interesting element. On the swing tune “Overnight Sensation” he plays with bluesy riffs, sustained tremolo and single note runs that flow with smooth minimalist precision for maximum effect.

A nice tune with a laid back smooth jazz feel “Tomorrow” features a string section that adds depth to the arrangement. The string section is utilized on the title track as well. The songs with strings sound like they would make great back ground music to a film sound track.

A clave rhythm laid down by drummer Miko Rezler makes for a Latin feel on the song “Only The Devil”. Patrick Rydman maintains his vocal prowess on the track; he also adds a muted trumpet feature. Backing vocalists Malin Dahlstrom and saxophonist Lisen Rylander add a taste of spice and a little more excitement, a pity they aren’t utilized more.

Mr. Rydman has a good voice, very pleasing sound qualities and smooth phrasing. His composing skills are good. He writes easy going tunes in a pop-rock or smooth-jazz style. His debut recording I Will Do It shows he definitely has the potential to do it. He has done it, made some pleasurable music. A little more sharing of the musical spot light however would make for a more entertaining listening experience.