Splash ‎– Splash (1978, LP, Sweden)

Tracklist:
A1. Variations On Polska & Hoppvals (8:02)
A2. Nina (8:58)
B1. Snusa (8:21)
B2. El Greco (7:48)
B3. Hueä (5:19)

Musicians:
Bass Trombone – Lennart Löfgren
Bass, Guitar – Kaj Söderström
Cover – Per Gunnarsson
Drums – Gus
Guitar, Violin – Christer Jansson
Keyboards – Thomas Jutterström
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Leif Halldén
Woodwind – Christer Holm, Torbjörn Carlsson


On "Splash 2", the group has moved from standard pop rock structures to an improvisational jazz rock unit. I hesitate to use the word "fusion" here, as they clearly weren't emulating the usual suspects like Return to Forever or Weather Report. And at times they have that college level stage band type tightness. There's also a little bit of silliness calling out their Zappa influence (not to mention some fine guitar soloing). And even a little dancing around the barn music to open the album. (ashratom)