Review: Bo Hansson

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Bo Hansson
“Sagan Om Ringen”
(Silence Records)

“Sagan Om Ringen” translates as “Lord of the Rings.” While this CD comes out in the midst of the film version of the complete trilogy, this album originally came out in 1972. Complete with a bonus track “Tidiga skisser från Midgård,” this album still shows Hansson’s Keith Emerson- or Rick Wakeman-comparable keyboard work in exotic, otherworldly soundscapes inspired by the Tolkein books. Fans of the books may not necessarily agree that this instrumental album summons the same images to mind, but no Tolkein knowledge or appreciation is required to enjoy this classic of early ’70’s progressive rock.