“Blåmann, blåmann, svar meg no” is an elaborate piece with the space and calmness of a warm summer day in the Norwegian mountains. It is written by guitar player Stian Swensson, inspired by the folk melody “Blåmann, blåmann bukken min” from his native country.

Blåmann, Blåmann Svar Meg No

The composition Ramund is inspired by an old Swedish folk song that tells a story about a high-and-mighty warrior who defeats a group of giants, marries the emperor's daughter and takes over the empire while decapitating the emperor. The tune features an energetic and forceful tenor saxofon solo by Luboš Soukup.

Viking Song Nr. 2 Ramund

“Sommerdag” consists of reharmonized melody fragments of the danish folk song ”Jeg gik mig ud en sommerdag”, with the turkish string instrument saz, palyed by composer Kasper Bai, as  a characteristic color.  An expressive cornet solo leads us in the end into a wild, but sort of recognizable version of the song.

Sommerdag

The song Blakken is a relaxing piece of music composed for a big ensemble by Copenhagen-based saxophonist Lubos Soukup. The composer was inspired by the music motif of the Norwegian lullaby called Fola, fola blakken. Enjoy the soothing melodies played by Storälven and immerse yourself in the harmonic world of this song.

Blakken

Based in Copenhagen, Storälven is a collaboration between musicians from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the Czech Republic. The eight-piece orchestra performes new compositions based on folk melodies from the bandmembers´ native countries.

Storälven:

Tobias Wiklund (SE) – trumpet/cornet/flugelhorn
Lubos Soukup (CZ) – saxophones/clarinet
Anders Banke (DK) – saxophones/clarinet/bass clarinet
Soma Allpass (DK) – cello
Stian Swensson (NO) – guitar
Kasper Bai (DK) – guitar/saz
Thommy Andersson (SE) – double bass
Bjørn Heebøll – (DK) – drums