Indie record stores are the best sources to find obscure, yet intriguing world music of all types and although this is the age of digital downloads and streaming services, I always want to have a hard copy of music on CD. Naturally, it was delightful for me to discover the Swedish group Trombocombo of the easy listening / world lounge genre.
Their smooth, soothing interpretations of artists like David Bowie and Britney Spears on the album Swedish Sound Deluxe is a perfect addition to any lounge collection. This album is the second of three the group has created since 1996. The first track on the Deluxe recording may be the best, a reworking of David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” which could have been a compliment to any James Bond film soundtrack. It has a very mid-1960s retro vibe perfectly matching the cover art above.
In fact, the woman posed seductively in front of the hi-fi easily has the beauty and mystique to be a paramour of Sean Connery or Roger Moore in any film of that classic, enduring series. Other tracks include “Hit Me Baby One More Time” which has a certain ‘ra-cha-Cha’ element about it that makes it as catchy as the Britney Spears original. “Hooked On A Feeling” has a dreamy, lilting quality reminiscent of Burt Bacharach that is always so warm and enjoyable. In any case, all eleven tracks make for a superb collection to be enjoyed again and again.
For those who really groove on the easy listening / lounge genre Trombocombo’s Swedish Sound Deluxe is a worthy addition to their collection. As mentioned earlier, it’s always better to have a hard copy of the music you love best – because it may not be available online indefinitely. However, Trombocombo’s Swedish Sound Deluxe is available through Bolero Records which specializes in World Fusion, Flamenco, Smooth Jazz and other Easy Listening styles. So, mix a cocktail, kick back and enjoy!
