| This is the third full length album of the group following Swåp 1997, and [sic] 1999. As the name of the band suggests, the music is all about exchange: exchanging experiences, telling stories to each other and swapping places, possibly to get an even better view. Each member of Swåp is deeply rooted in their own respective music but also open to new discoveries - the mixture that once began as Celtic folkmusic meeting Swedish folkmusic has now emerged into a unique identity, a clarity of style that is SWÅP. This album shows how the music is constantly moving towards their own music and musical exchange: very strong self-penned tracks and some excellent compositions by current composers in the folk genre.
The title track is one of many fantastic, compositions of Ola Bäckström: 'Mosquito Hunter' is mercurial, highly energized and uncompromising. Karen Tweed's 'This is My Pen' is purely hypnotic and Ian Carr's compositions are becoming an increasingly major part of Swåp's repertoire as illustrated in his dizzyingly beautiful 'Fiskmås'. Carina Normansson's down to earth reflection on the little things that make everyday life worthwhile in 'Crème Fraiche' highlight this band's strength in self-penned material. There is a significant kinship which unites them with contrasts that enrich them. Swåp continues to develop traditional material within it's repertoire and on this CD have included some traditional music from Derbyshire, UK as part of a Derby-Dalarna project. All four members are headstrong song writers with extraordinary talents in composition and performance.
Swåp are:
Ola Bäckström (violin and viola d'amore) has been a member of Triptyk (with Johan Hedin and Jonas Knutsson), Simon Simonsson Kvartett, Boot (with members of the Hedningarna), Den Fule and Träton (with Carina Normansson and Maria Jonsson).
Ian Carr (guitar) has played with Kathryn Tickell, The Old Rope String Band, Simon Thoumire, Syncopace and has guest starred on recordings with John McCusker, Kate Rusby, Gordon Duncan and others.
Carina Normansson (violin and vocals) well respected for her work with Falunspelmanslag and Träton (with Ola Bäckström and Maria Jonsson), is often heard in a duo with Maria Jonsson.
Karen Tweed (accordion) has worked with the Kathryn Tickell Band, The Poozies, Roger Wilson, Sally Barker, Timo Alakotila and Maria Kalaniemi.
For more info: www.swapmusic.info |
British Pounds
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