JOSEFINE CRONHOM - Ember
Stunt: STUCD18122
Josefine Cronholm: vocals, aquadrum; Torben Snekkestad: saxophones, clarinet, trumpet; Makiko Hirabayashi: piano; Thommy Anderrson: double bass; Lisbeth Diers: drums, percussion.
Recorded December 2017 by John Fromsgaard at The Village Studio, Copenhagen.
I first heard Josefine Cronhom when she was singing on Django Bates’ ‘You live and learn’ (in the early 2000s), using her voice to create eerie echoes as well as singing. Since then she has recorded with Marilyn Mazur and a host of Scandinavian artists. Over this time, her singing and song-writing have been developed to a point where each tune has an immediate effect. After a hiatus of seven years, this set is created with a group of excellent musicians who are perfectly attunded to her song writing.
Sometimes, she creates catchy tunes, such as ‘Sing’ the opening track on this set, and at other times, haunting evocations, such as ‘The Surrender’ (track 6) that hint at deeply personal turmoil, or the highly evocative ‘Rain’ (track 3) which features aquadrum and melodious double bass to accompany her singing. In this latter song, the voice requires so little support that the backing has to be minimal and carefully placed. This is also true on her version of Lennon and McCartney’s ‘Blackbird’ (track 5), which revealed depths and meanings that I had not previously encountered. And it comes to something when a cover version of such a well-known tune can find new magic. On this version, Cronholm sings the vocals to a percussion accompaniment to spell-bending effect.
Duets between bass and piano, such as the one of ‘On your wing’, track 7, showcase the talents of the artists that Cronholm has gathered around her. Throughout the set, Snekkestad’s brass and woodwind create a perfect foil to the meaning of the lyrics and Cronholm’s delivery. All in all a very satisfying outing.
Reviewed by Chris Baber
Stunt: STUCD18122
Josefine Cronholm: vocals, aquadrum; Torben Snekkestad: saxophones, clarinet, trumpet; Makiko Hirabayashi: piano; Thommy Anderrson: double bass; Lisbeth Diers: drums, percussion.
Recorded December 2017 by John Fromsgaard at The Village Studio, Copenhagen.
I first heard Josefine Cronhom when she was singing on Django Bates’ ‘You live and learn’ (in the early 2000s), using her voice to create eerie echoes as well as singing. Since then she has recorded with Marilyn Mazur and a host of Scandinavian artists. Over this time, her singing and song-writing have been developed to a point where each tune has an immediate effect. After a hiatus of seven years, this set is created with a group of excellent musicians who are perfectly attunded to her song writing.
Sometimes, she creates catchy tunes, such as ‘Sing’ the opening track on this set, and at other times, haunting evocations, such as ‘The Surrender’ (track 6) that hint at deeply personal turmoil, or the highly evocative ‘Rain’ (track 3) which features aquadrum and melodious double bass to accompany her singing. In this latter song, the voice requires so little support that the backing has to be minimal and carefully placed. This is also true on her version of Lennon and McCartney’s ‘Blackbird’ (track 5), which revealed depths and meanings that I had not previously encountered. And it comes to something when a cover version of such a well-known tune can find new magic. On this version, Cronholm sings the vocals to a percussion accompaniment to spell-bending effect.
Duets between bass and piano, such as the one of ‘On your wing’, track 7, showcase the talents of the artists that Cronholm has gathered around her. Throughout the set, Snekkestad’s brass and woodwind create a perfect foil to the meaning of the lyrics and Cronholm’s delivery. All in all a very satisfying outing.
Reviewed by Chris Baber
