Save the World(CD)

Featuring Jens Johansson and Goran Edman. A very well produced and arranged album. Progressive release with influences of fusion. Guitarist of Tears of Anger

REVIEWS:

Benny Jansson - Save the World

A Swedish guitar player working with the vocalist and the keyboarder of the Yngwie Malmsteen band? When I read that part in the info sheet, I was already planning for the worst to come. So the first time I listened to Save The World, I was taken by surprise, as this is no heavy metal album, not even hard rock.

I have not too much experience listening to guitar solo works, but instantly one name came to my mind: Allan Holdsworth. This might be as the sound on this album reminds me a lot of Soft Machine's Bundle album (1975) and U.K. debut LP (1978). So is there a distinct 70ies sound to this album? I wouldn't say so. It's just that the guitar has the same synthesized sound, something very fusion-like and altogether jazzy. Göran Edman's voice may not be suitable for hard rock fans, but the way he treats a ballad like Deep Wood or a funk piece like Give My Baby Love is just truly exceptional.

Another thing to love about this album are the short songs, which guarantees that Benny never loses himself in his music. His instrumentals, which are two third on the album, have a very magic sound, something you wouldn't expect from a rock artists. If you like prog, fusion and jazz rock, Save The World might be just what you want from Santa Claus. It's an album that improves on each time you listen to it. I give it 9 big points, and not only for the consolation that now there is something like an unofficial third U.K. album.

DisAgreement fanzine

Benny Jansson - Save the World

Whow.. what a band! Goeran Edman (still a fantastic singer), Daniel Flores (who did a really good job on drums), Jens Johansson (excellent Keys), Mathias Garnas (solid bass) and of course Benny Jansson (fantastic guitar playing)… with these names we don’t have to ask the question about the quality of these guys on their instruments! Benny Jansson did put together a band he was able to create whatever he wants – and here’s the result called SAVE THE WORLD. This progressive rock album is for everyone who stands in the first row at a Steve Vai show to see exactly how he’s playing guitar. That means this record is mainly something for musicians – and I’m sure they’ll love this record, ‘cause SAVE THE WORLD is a record with mainly instrumental parts where Benny & Co. shows that there’s no limit in playing progressive rock. But if you’re into traditional rock music with a refrain, a bridge and catchy hooks with great vocals – buy another one, ‘cause on SAVE THE WORLD you’ll only find 4 tracks with vocals (Goeran Edman) and catchy melodies. So how to rate this quality piece of music? Well, if you’re playing guitar or keys and if you’re into progressive rock, SAVE THE WORLD is worth 8.5 points. www.medazzarock.com Ralph

Benny Jansson - Save the World

A Swedish guitar player working with the vocalist and the keyboarder of the Yngwie Malmsteen band? When I read that part in the info sheet, I was already planning for the worst to come. So the first time I listened to Save The World, I was taken by surprise, as this is no heavy metal album, not even hard rock.

I have not too much experience listening to guitar solo works, but instantly one name came to my mind: Allan Holdsworth. This might be as the sound on this album reminds me a lot of Soft Machine's Bundle album (1975) and U.K. debut LP (1978). So is there a distinct 70ies sound to this album? I wouldn't say so. It's just that the guitar has the same synthesized sound, something very fusion-like and altogether jazzy. Göran Edman's voice may not be suitable for hard rock fans, but the way he treats a ballad like Deep Wood or a funk piece like Give My Baby Love is just truly exceptional.

Another thing to love about this album are the short songs, which guarantees that Benny never loses himself in his music. His instrumentals, which are two third on the album, have a very magic sound, something you wouldn't expect from a rock artists. If you like prog, fusion and jazz rock, Save The World might be just what you want from Santa Claus. It's an album that improves on each time you listen to it. I give it 9 big points, and not only for the consolation that now there is something like an unofficial third U.K. album.

DisAgreement Online www.disagreement.net

Benny Jansson - Save the World

Benny Jansson has done the cleverer thing. In many reviews of instrumental albums I have been bitching about the lack of vocals. This is a personal thing. I usually can't listen to an instrumental album in one stretch. I need vocals. Sue me.

And Benny Jansson answers my needs perfectly. Not only did he bring in a vocalist for 4 tracks... that vocalist is none less than Göran Edman (Malmsteen / Kharma). Good job, and good choice too. Edman is an amazing singer and his soulful voice does the non-instrumental tracks a lot of good.

This third solo album by Jansson (his first for Lion Music) is - to me - a good example of how a virtuoso album might, or maybe even should, sound. Jansson is an amazing player, with a pretty unique tone. The songs were written mostly by Jansson himself, with Edman and drummer Daniel Flores co-writing 4 of them. Additionally, Flores and Jansson produced the album, and did a great job at that.

Jens Johansson is another name that might ring a bell. Probably from his work for / with Malmsteen as well. So you might say there's some considerable talents featured here, and let me assure you: it shows. This record is versatile enough to keep you interested throughout. Poppy songs like 'Deep Wood', melodic pieces such as the intro: 'Save The World #1' and hints towards progressive rock like on 'Angry Ant'. Complemented by sometimes mainstream, sometimes fusion-esque lead guitars this is a versatile listening experience.

More fusion is to be found in songs like 'Deep Sea' but Benny Jansson apparently draws from a wider range of influences, considering the song 'blues' which is - well - a blues. This is pretty much a perfect 'guitarists' record. It has a little of everything, *including* vocals. If you're an axeman yourself you'll probably drool over most of this, so get your copy, or at least give it a spin. 

Eef Vink

Benny Jansson - Save the World

Seems that Sweden produced yet another amazing progressive musician onto the music world!

At times Benny sounds like Holdsworth circa late 70's (UK & Bruford eras) while adding a modern crunch.

Well written melodies and very tasty guitar licks, "Save the World" is a wonderful disc of music that is bordering on jazz fusion it does include some progressive and metal moments. 

~Ron for ProgNaut.com [September 27th, 2002]

Benny Jansson - Save the World

'Save the world' is the third CD of the Swedish guitarist Benny Jansson. He also played in the band TWO ROCKS with whom he released an album in 1992 (though I can't remember how it sounded as I haven't played it in ages). Anyway, his new solo-CD is a semi-instrumental album. There are 4 vocal and 8 instrumental tracks included. Goran Edman (MALMSTEEN, STREET TALK) does the lead vocals on the 4 vocal tracks, while other musicians involved are among others Jens Johansson on keys and Daniel Flores on drums. The music is not that heavy, and is a nice relaxing mixture of late night Jazz and Progressive Rock/Metal with a clear swing to Fusion-Rock at times (especially on the instrumental songs it sounds like TOTO when they go experimental). Pretty nice are the TOTO orientated semi-ballads "Winter night" and "Deep wood" with of course excellent lead vocals of Goran, who is still one of the best Swedish singers ever! Fans of TOTO and TOMMY DENANDER can easily buy this new album of Benny Jansson, but don't expect anything sensational!

Strutter Zine

(Points: 7.5 out of 10)