Reinhold Svensson Spelar Spikpiano

Released in 1956 on the His Master's Voice label, this recording showcases the unique sound of the spikpiano, or 'nail piano.' The instrument, an idiomatic variation of the prepared piano, produces a sharp, metallic, and percussive timbre by using metal pins to strike the strings. Reinhold Svensson, a Swedish jazz pianist known for his technical versatility and curiosity, utilized the recording to explore unconventional tonal textures that were gaining minor interest in European avant-garde circles during the mid-1950s.

The 7-EGS-12 release is a document of the experimental spirit that occasionally intersected with mainstream jazz labels of the era. The production reflects the mid-century Scandinavian jazz aesthetic, which balanced formal precision with an openness to novelty instrumentation. While Svensson remained best known for his traditional jazz piano work, this recording serves as a historical example of the era's willingness to document niche instrumental curiosities within the HMV catalog, resulting in a sought-after piece for collectors of mid-century Swedish jazz and experimental recordings.