DORIS

• Did you give the world some love today baby
• EMI Odeon
• 1970
• Sweden

Gothenburg born singer Doris Svensson started her singing career in 1960 at the age of 13. Nine years and few projects later she went to the studio to record her forst solo album, Svenssons Doris!. In 1970 EMI released this second album called Did you give the world some love today baby. It wasn’t an instant success, not even close. But 26 years later when it was first reissued, it aroused a lot of interest and became very sought after album among funk music collectors. This album is not a funk album however. It’s more of a mixture of soul, pop and rock with a lot of funk touch. Most of the tracks were composed by jazz-pianist Berndt Egerbladh, who also did the big band brass arrangements and played the organ. The heavy drumming on the album was played by Jan Carlsson (of the Hansson & Karlsson fame), guitar by Bengan Karlsson and bass by Doris’ husband Lukas Lindholm. The backing band was called Heta linjen.

This LP marks the highlight in the career of a talented Nordic blond vocalist - Doris Svensson from Gothenburg, Sweden. It seems as though she’s finally managed to find and record a set of songs that suit her 100%. Maybe this isn’t surprising when you consider the musical genius that went into writing and scoring the album. Most of the material was written and arranged by TV producer, jazz-pianist, composer, “rarely-out-of-the-news-man-about-town” Berndt Egerbladh. Lyrical assistance was generously provided by a 6 foot kiltless Scottish giant, Francis Cowan. Francis also plays the cello on a few tracks which explains why he’s kiltless. Anyway, quite a combination which gave a fantastic result, with a little help from the producer Håkan Sterner. Incidentally, Håkan found the job so exciting that he was forced to retreat behind a beard after its completion.

Doris’ album provides 36 minutes of qualified musical jou guaranteed to satisfy all tastes. Discotheques will find that two numbers in particular, “Don’t” and “Beatmaker” are good box office draws. Jazz die-hards might even start visiting discotheques after digesting “I wish I knew” and “I’m pushing you out”. Note too an incredible ballad called “Daisies” and tell me if Sweden hasn’t produced a dangerous competitor for Melanie. Once again, this LP’s got something for everybody, the best of underground, jazz, rock and folk - not mixed up in one gigantic hotch-potch, but all in gentle harmony. Listen to Doris - a good time will be has by all.
(Liner notes by Roger Wallis)

First up is the funky downtempo pop-soul title tune “Did you give the world some love today baby” with some nice string and brass work. The country influenced but quite funky “Waiting an the station” and the psychedelic jazz track “You never come closer” are also worth to mention. The latter was very popular on the UK acid jazz scene of the 1990s. The best ones here however are the heavily funky soul-jazz tracks “Don’t” and “Beatmaker”, where the latter is definitely the winner in here with catchy lyrics and funky arrangements. Doris’ rough voice fits perfectly on these giving the reason to get this album whatever it takes. Can’t help it, I just got to love it.

Did you give the world some love today baby

Waiting an the station

You never come closer

Don’t

Beatmaker