Bo Hansson - "Magician's Hat" (1973)

This was Bo Hansson's second solo album, and in Sweden it was released in 1972 as Ur Trollkarlens Hatt. But as I found it here in Montreal, I've got the North American version in the collection, and in the rest of the world it was released one year later. Hansson's solo debut is more famous, Lord of the Rings, but this one is also good.

Magician's Hat is somewhat more accessible than its predecessor, as Hansson has moved a little closer to the musical midfield, although it's still very far from the top of the pops. I appreciate that the gloomy, neurotic mood that rules the Lord of the Rings is not found here. You will not feel uncomfortable and uneasy by listening to Magician's Hat. On the other hand, his first album is more unique, it's hard to find something similar, while the music of his second release is to some extent similar to some other contemporary music, mainly from the progressive and jazz fusion genre.

On a few songs, some choir is heard, otherwise it's instrumental. Of course, there's a lot of organ and synthesizer, as that's Hansson's main instruments, but also flute, guitar and saxophone are given a lot of space. Perhaps a bit more unfocused than its forerunner, but it never floats out in long jams without goal or meaning. Part of this more unfocused atmosphere might be explained by a lots of songs are rather short, which makes the music jump more from point to point. To me it's a fun record to jam along with, with my flute, as the music gives a lot of space for freedom and your own creativity.

So, if you like instrumental, progressive music with some jazz influences, Magician's Hat might be something to look into. It's a somewhat druggy atmosphere and I guess many bongs have been smoked while the record has been spinning on the turntable. Not a simple and instantly accessible album, but I still choose it before Lord of the Rings, since it is a bit less challenging in its form.


Tracklist

Side A
1. "The City" - 7:20
2. "Divided Reality" - 6:17
3. "Elidor" - 1:34
4. "Before the Rain" - 1:31
5. "County" - 1:50
6. "Playing Downhill into the Downs" - 1:39

Side B
1. "Findhorn's Song" - 1:43
2. "Awakening" - 2:43
3. "Wandering Song" - 3:13
4. "The Sun (Parallel or 90 °)" - 7:07
5. "Excursion with Complications" - 3:23