John Hogman is a veteran baritonist from Sweden who, although virtually unknown in the United States, has a strong reputation in Scandinavia. His sound and style is a cross between
Gerry Mulligan and
Lars Gullin without too closely imitating either. With the exception of the more advanced "Friday's Dilemma" and a couple selections on which pianist Mikael Skoglund switches to electric piano, the music is generally in the style of 1950s cool bop, with occasional hints of the hard bop of
Pepper Adams. Clearly
John Hogman deserves to be known;
Reduce Speed gives listeners an excellent sampling of his playing talents.