AN EXCEPTIONAL MUSICAL EXPERIENCE

”I was at a concert yesterday and when the main performer, singer Elisabeth Melander, entered the stage in her long white jacket, white pants, black, shiny boots and black fringed blouse, it was like the entrance of an obvious star. From the center of the stage, with a natural presence and charisma, she embraced the audience, the musicians … and life.

”Notes from Within” – that’s the name of the new album that the concert was dedicated to. Tones, thoughts and feelings which, after more than two years of pandemic and forced musical restraint, have gathered inside a creative person with a voice that has longed to sing out. Finally came the release with its redemption. It was as if each note in the compositions took a turn in every cell in the body to tune into the right vibration and rhythm before it set the tone and was realized into audible music. What a pleasure!

Soulfulness is a reoccurring word when the singer Elisabeth Melander is characterized by listeners and critics. Sensitivity is another. Sensuality, a third. I want to add a fourth – a large portion of Love. Her warm embrace encompassed Martin Berggren Trio, Bergdala Quartet and four excellent guest soloists. Anders Bergcrantz on trumpet, Anders Hagberg, flute and soprano sax, Inge Pettersson Lindbäck on tenor sax and master guitarist Anders ”Chico” Lindvall. All musicians are of the highest calibre and specially invited by Elisabeth Melander for the concert as well as for her new album. 

Every note was in total balance within the soundscape. No one dominated the other. It has been a long time since I heard such a delicate, masterful interplay in a holistic set where nothing was missing … neither nuance nor distinction. Here, every single breath through the instrument was sensitively delivered and every phrasing was completed without concentration. Everything was well formulated to its smallest nano particle.

Elisabeth Melander presented the songs with a personal story and background explanation that gave us listeners an extra dimension to the compositions. Her close friend, the eminent jazz pianist, Lars Jansson, is one of the songwriters. Elisabeth Melander herself is one. A modified jazz version in a fine-tuned rendition of Stevie Wonder’s ”I Wish” and another 70’s song, ”If”, by David Gates from the rock band Bread, were performed. Likewise, a former student of Elisabeth Melander, Theo Mattiasson, got one of his lyrics set to music by his singing teacher.

For me, the concert was an exceptional musical experience. The ticket was worth every penny. At times, I was moved by the high premiere atmosphere that permeated the atmosphere of the classic Palladium room with the gold-colored and wood-covered walls and crystal chandeliers on the ceiling. It was beautiful. Very beautiful.
A compliment also to the sound engineer and a big ”thank you for the performance, everyone.”
Agneta Gunneling Geijer 220408

NEW ALBUM RELEASE AND CONCERT

… thoughts and sounds from my heart … in the midst of the escalating pandemic, as social separation and new considerations about life took over, the thoughts and ideas for this jazz album emerged. The album mainly represents my own compositions and lyrics combined with a jazz trio, string quartet and guest soloists. In addition, the great jazz pianist and composer, Lars Jansson, mailed me a bevy of compositions which inspired me to write the lyrics. What an honor… and, for me, a welcome addition, contributing another dimension to my own and other selected songs.

Pianist Martin Berggren and I have made music together for several years. This led to the idea of incorporating him and his jazz trio … which includes David Andersson, bass and Andreas Baw, drums … on my album. Martin has also contributed beautiful string arrangements for the amazing Bergdala String Quartet.

In the process, my intention for the different songs has been to include special guest solo musicians thereby adding a special excitement to the music. I invited some of my favorite soloists, who are also some of Sweden’s most celebrated jazz musicians … Anders Bergcrantz – trumpet, Anders ”Chico” Lindvall – guitar, Anders Hagberg – sax/flute and Inge Petersson Lindbäck -sax.

The album mainly represents my own compositions and lyrics combined with a jazz trio, string quartet and guest soloists. In addition, the great jazz pianist and composer, Lars Jansson, mailed me a bevy of compositions which inspired me to write the lyrics. What an honor… and, for me, a welcome addition, contributing another dimension to my own and other selected songs. Pianist Martin Berggren and I have made music together for several years. This led to the idea of incorporating him and his jazz trio … which includes David Andersson, bass and Andreas Baw, drums … on my album. Martin has also contributed beautiful string arrangements for the amazing Bergdala String Quartet.