Track 1-3 recorded at the Scharinska Villan, Umeå, Sweden on March 19, 1987 by Bo Andersin, originally produced by Lars-Göran Ulander in cooperation with Swedish Broadcasting Company, SR P2, Umeå.
Track 4-5 recorded by Peeter Uuskyla at Frölunda Kulturhus, Gothenburg, Sweden on March 6, 1988 (track 4-5)
Editing and mastering by Per Ruthström

This is the album that never got a proper chance to be heard because when it was officially released in 2008 it was just as a download CD-R (ayler records aylDL-116). It would be great to give it once again a wider spread because it is really a best documentation of the late Bengt Frippe Nordström and his group Miljövårdsverket.

Original linernotes:
At first I hesitated when asked to write about this album. So much fact and fiction has been said about Bengt and the Environmental Control Office group (Miljövårdsverket). What could I offer? Then I listened to the music again, and I understood; this is probably the best ever quartet recording with Bengt.

Before Bengt died, The Swedish Council for Cultural Affairs awarded a small sum to Miljövårdsverket. This recognition confirmed that it was truly a working group, and the money enabled a few short tours. Most of all, the recognition made Bengt proud of the group. You’ll hear this pride in each number - a four-musician group that wants to contribute to music that’s evolving right now - at this very moment.

Bengt went through some rough times in his life; the period when this music was developed was not one of them. You can hear it in his playing. He felt secure. At home. And he clearly wanted all of us to make music together. As, usual, the music is somewhat naive - with classical nuances - a bit Stravinski-ish, with subtle strains of modern art, Swedish folklore, and Albert Ayler.

Bengt was undisputedly the group leader. He often told us how he wanted the music to be. He also wanted us to disagree with him musically - to force him to be more creative. He wanted our music to be an creative addition to things other musicians had done.

Bengts personality had many facets. After reading a newspaper, he could give you very sharp, intelligent analyses of the world’s situation. In the next moment, he could be very childish in another analysis. And sometimes, he was very romantic - you’ll hear this on the CD.

The music is from 1986-87, when we where doing some short tours in northern and western Sweden. We’ve done very little with the tapes. Some cuttings were made, but otherwise the music is the same as when it was played - just like Bengt wanted his wanted his records to be.

I’m very happy to be a part of these events. Not long ago, we found these recordings and realized that they had to be released to a greater audience. This CD pays homage to Bengt - its an excellent example of free improvisation at its best.

I think this is enough…

Lars Svanteson, 2008


The band filmed in Umeå on February 2, 1989:
pt 1 (www.youtube.com/watch?v=J208fw3oULo)
pt 2 (www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GBZz11szXg)
pt 3 (www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhqzY2ngWt4)