JAZZ meets classical and world music in new album, FIKA, an epic release by Elysian Fields, Australia’s only electric viola da gamba band starring Petersham’s saxophonist/composer Matt Keegan and Dulwich Hill’s bass guitarist Siebe Pogson.
Titled FIKA (‘fee-ka’), the recording takes its name from the Swedish practice of fika – ‘sitting down for coffee, conversation and pastries with friends and family’.
“FIKA is exactly what we need at this time, beautiful music that sings to a gathering of friends with food and fine conversation,” Pogson said.
The project has deep roots in artistic director Jenny Eriksson’s Swedish ancestry – her grandfather arrived in Melbourne from Stockholm in the 1920s – and her love of Scandinavian jazz and folk music.
Pogson added: “We felt such a drive for this album to be heard, no matter what. This is music for our times.
“As an ensemble we have such a great vibe and work together so well; you can hear it when we play.”
The CD booklet features paintings by Swedish artist Nils Gunnar Zander who for 25 years, has divided his time between Australia and Stockholm, drawing inspiration from the landscapes of the Australian outback.
FIKA is available as a CD from MOVE, Buywell Records and is streaming on Spotify and Apple Music, with downloads via iTunes and Bandcamp.
Scandinavian folk, jazz thrills in album from rare musicians
