Songs for Jukkasjärvi

A commisioned work for the 400 years celebration of Jukkasjärvi in the far north of Sweden. With Simon Marainen, yoik, Brita-Stina Sjaggo, vocals, Sandra Marteleur, fiddle, Jonas Sjöblom, percussion and flute, and Thorbjörn Jakobsson, saxophones. The concert was broadcast as Veckans Konsert in Swedish television.



"Overall it is one of the most bittersweet, nostalgic, and life - affirming albums I have come across in a long time.

His influences are quite eclectic, including folk rock and symphonic rock, so this is not some standard organ recording, but a deeply personal response to the Sami people and others whom he grew up with, littered with the sounds of old and new instruments, and the unique vocal yoik, one of the oldest living music traditions in existence, and meant to embody the essence of the person or place speaking. The poetry in the songs speaks of nature, comfort, warmth amidst the cold, and love.

The surround recording is also first rate, with discreet channeling of various instrumental strata spread nicely around the speakers, all the while centered in a space a little in front of the main speakers right above your head. This is a superb disc that took me quite by surprise, and I encourage anyone in need of an hour of good feeling and basic spiritual restoration to give it a try."

Audiofile Magazine 2011

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