What a pleasure it is to hear saxophonist Scott Hamilton playing his best! Inspired by Scandinavian sounds, the Swedish Ballads... & More is intuitive, with a calm and mature approach, and in close interplay with Jan Lundgreen, bassist Jesper Lundgaard and drummer Kristian Leth. From the very first bars, it is apparent that everyone feels at ease, and the Swedish theme is a great idea. Scott's love affair with Sweden has been ongoing since his first visit more than 30 years ago. He has many friends and fans in Sweden who have followed him closely over the years, and Scott has always been drawn to talented musicians and great music regardless of their origins. As most of us, he remembers things that have been meaningful to him, and his knowledge of Sweden and it's part in the history of Jazz and it's musicians is impressive. It was easy for him to select the repertoire for this wonderful recording.