Jerry Johansson
And a String Quartet from
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra
Kning Disk 2006

01. Sitar and String Quartet No. 1 - Kalyan
02. Sitar and String Quartet No. 2 - Kirwani

Jerry Johansson, the undisputed Swedish champion of the sitar, presents two 25-minute pieces in collaboration with Camilla Wahlberg on tambura, and a string quartet from the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. Johansson composed and arranged all the music, which was recorded live in a church in 2005, blending Eastern and Western styles to utmost perfection. The two pieces evolve and undulate slowly, with Johansson and Wahlberg taking turns in the spotlight; however, the music truly comes to life when they share centerstage. The sitar combined with the tambura creates an intense and mesmerizing sound, with the violin and cello quartet providing the perfect background.

Something to reconcile us all with Eastern music, in case we ever needed it... I for one sure had my share of Westernizations gone wrong, up to the point where a simple mentioning of Claude Challe and Buddha Bar caused panic attacks. So here's for another "marriage between two cultures" - one that is actually skillful. And tasteful, dammit, 'cause of dealing with different concepts and approaches: REFINED. A level of musicianship which, in fact, is rarely caught on any record. Go ahead and buy, no matter if you're into Eastern vibes or not - it's a landmark record for this year and should fit anyone's respectable collection.

>> mihd (71mb)