Swedish producer Björn Yttling, known for his work with Peter Bjorn and John, has released a jazz remix of “The Gambler,” a song he originally made with his band Abstract Crimewave and singer Lykke Li. The new version was made with Yttling’s side project, Yttling Jazz. It features soft vibraphones and a more acoustic style, giving the song a relaxed and dreamlike sound.
Abstract Crimewave is made up of Yttling and Joakim Åhlund, another well-known Swedish musician who has played in bands like Teddybears and Les Big Byrd. Their latest album, The Longest Night, came out last year and included guest appearances from Lykke Li, Chrissie Hynde, and members of the psychedelic band Dungen. The album mixes many different styles and even won “Best Pop 2025” at Sweden’s Manifest Awards.
Yttling says the remix was fun to make because he wanted to try something new by blending jazz and pop. “It was really interesting making this remix version,” he said. “Sometimes mixing jazz and pop doesn’t work well, but this time we got lucky.” Lykke Li added that she enjoys writing songs with Yttling, and that they wrote “The Gambler” while taking breaks from playing competitive tennis.
While Yttling is mostly known for pop music, he also studied jazz when he was younger. He even traveled each week to get lessons from jazz legend Esbjörn Svensson. Yttling Jazz released one album back in 2005 and is now planning new music.
The remix of “The Gambler” is a fresh take on a moody song. Yttling’s jazz version makes Lykke Li’s voice sound more open and present. The light percussion and glowing vibraphones add depth without losing the song’s original feeling.
Björn Yttling is a musician with wide range. His ability to move between pop, rock, and jazz shows his creative talent. This remix is a great example of how genre-crossing music can still feel thoughtful and natural. Fans of experimental pop and smooth jazz will enjoy the new direction.
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