Ian Carr & The Various Artists.
Your favourite Avant-Folk Orchestra.
“…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
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 NyheterSweden 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
“The most innovative… and sympathetic guitarist that Britain has produced in years, in any genre…” – Froots Magazine uk.
The Various Artists are his powerhouse Swedish/Scottish five piece, performing a dizzy journey through breakneck reels,,fascinating polskas from the deep forests of Västerbotten, and songs about Classic Cars, USB cables, and the Beatles.
R&R magazines Dave Haslam called their latest album ”One of the most inventive, quirky and grin inducing albums this reviewer has heard in years”
Featuring:
Maria Jonsson, viola d’amore/ vocals- Maria is a Swedish Rikspelman ( accredited performer of traditional music) who specialises in the music of Västerbotten in the North of Sweden, where she was born. Maria recently received the Dalecarlia Music Award for folk music . When not playing concerts she loves being a Suzuki violin teacher by day.
Thomas Gibbs, keyboards/ vocals- a great pianist active in many musical spheres, his ” Fear of Flying” album made Mojo magazines jazz album of the year 2013. Tom teaches jazz at the Royal Conservatoir of Scotland. Also a fine clarinettist.
Laura Wilkie violin/ vocals-Laura is a wonderful interpreter of Scottish traditional tunes and composer of new ones. As well as being a member of the award winning Kinnaris Quintet, and the joyful Glasgow jazz outfit, Fat Suit, Laura is much in demand as a string arranger/session player on the Glasgow pop scene.
Staffan Lindfors-double bass/ vocals- Staffan is the bands road hog-no stranger to the pop charts as a long standing member of Östen Med Resten, and the brilliant Irish Trad band Quilty, shortly to tour Sweden with Andy Irvine. Aside from his touring activities Staffan is an accomplished songwriter. Sofia Karlssons “Dalarna Från Ovan” was written by him.
You can see our videos here:
And listen to our tunes here on the dreaded Spotify: