Ian Carr & The Various Artists.
Your favourite Avant-Folk Orchestra.
“A musical tour de force – joyous, shape shifting compositions … one of the most inventive, quirky and downright grin-inducing albums this reviewer has heard in years ***** “ Dave Haslam, RnR Magazine
“… music that bubbles with both life-affirming mischievous accuracy and sensitive precision” Patrik Lindgren, Lira, Sweden
“I love this album. I love its Swedishness, its Celtic flavourings and its production quality. But most of all, I love the tunes and the heartfelt manner in which they are presented” John Barlass, At The Barrier
Ian Carr is widely considered to be one of the best and most influential folk guitarists of his generation. He is known for his work with Swåp, the band that “successfully united Swedish and British trad music without sounding far fetched”– Dagens Nyheter, Sweden – and for his work as side person of choice for many acclaimed artists in the folk music world, including Kate Rusby, Kris Drever, Eddi Reader, Sofia Karlsson, Phil Cunningham, Lena Jonsson.
“The most innovative … and sympathetic guitarist that Britain has produced in years, in any genre …” fRoots magazine UK
The Various Artists is his powerhouse Avant Folk Swedish/Scottish five piece, performing a dizzying journey through breakneck reels, polskas from the deep forests of Northern Sweden, and songs about Swedish rockabilly culture clash, what happens when your children chew USB cables, and the mirror ball moment, “I Like Your Taste In Music”, a song about how great it is to listen to music with your mates.
A highlight of their concert set is “We Will Find Our Way Back Home”, a rare singalong song of encouragement for a polarised world.
All in all, a joyful fresh take on the folk tradition with an ensemble in perfect sync and a big smile on its collective face!
Featuring:
Maria Jonsson, viola d’amore/ vocals – Maria is a Swedish Rikspelman (accredited performer of traditional music) specialising in the music of Västerbotten (Northern Sweden), where she was born. Maria recently received the Dalecarlia Music Award for folk music. When not playing concerts she loves teaching Suzuki violin.
Thomas Gibbs, keyboards/ vocals – a great pianist active in many musical spheres, his “Fear of Flying” album made Mojo magazine’s jazz album of the year 2013. Thomas teaches jazz at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and is a great clarinetist.
Laura Wilkie violin/ vocals – Laura is a wonderful interpreter of Scottish traditional tunes and composer of new ones. Her album of Gaelic song instrumentals “Vent,” made the shortlist for traditional album of the year at the BBC Scotland Trad Awards. She is a member of Kinnaris Quartet, regularly seen at festivals causing large numbers of people to jump about.
Staffan Lindfors – double bass/ vocals – Staffan is the band’s road hog – no stranger to the pop charts as a long standing member of Östen Med Resten, and the brilliant Irish Trad band Quilty, touring internationally with Andy Irvine.Aside from his touring activities, Staffan is an accomplished songwriter. Sofia Karlsson’s “Dalarna Från Ovan” was written by him.
Watch us playing here:
Listen to our recordings!