Tracks
- Hardangervidda 2. Nothing To Declare 3. Autumn Sun 4. Clouds & Clovers 5. Greetings From Gottne 6. Nenek 7. Nenek Postlude 8. Cosmic Spring Prelude 9. Cosmic Spring
Performers
Armand van Wijck – chromatic harmonica, symphony (6, 7)
Magdalena Eriksson – violin (1, 2), vocals (5)
Axel Lilledahl Nordström – piano
Björn Petersson – double bass
Johan Björklund – drums
Record label: Howling Jazz!!!
Recorded at Studio Epidemin, Gothenburg, Sweden, on June 15 and 16, 2023
Originally from the Netherlands, Armand van Wijck has made his mark with his chromatic harmonica performances in his home country, playing at venues such as the North Sea Jazz Festival. He maintains a successful Swedish folk-jazz duo with violinist Magdalena Eriksson and contributes to electro-acoustic projects, such as Johan Björklund’s Pjäxeröd 2.0.
When he moved to Sweden, he was influenced by the authentic playing and Nordic sound of the Swedish musicians in his quartet, as well as by his bandmate Rihsspelman and violinist Magdalena Eriksson. All of this shaped his current jazz style, a style faithfully reflected in his latest release, titled “Nothing to Declare.”
The album features nine tracks, all composed by Van Wijck.
“Hardangervldda” opens the album and shows us human fragility in risky situations. Van Wijck, in his twenties, was hiking in Hardangervidda, Norway, when a violent storm broke out. After a harrowing night on a small plateau, a Red Cross helicopter rescued him. An interesting and intense piece with Eriksson’s violin in dialogue with Van Wijck’s harmonica and Nordström’s piano.
“Nothing to Declare” addresses the complex emotions of migration, such as those Van Wijck felt when he moved to Sweden, and also the challenges many immigrants face in the face of racial discrimination. “Here I feel happy, stressed, accepted, and excluded, all at the same time,” the author says.
The inspiration for “Autumn Sun” came to her during a bike ride, when she captured the warmth of the sun’s rays as they filtered through the clouds. That happened one autumn in Gothenburg. This piece captures the essence of falling in love. “It’s a heartfelt dedication to Magdalena, the love of my life, and the ‘autumn sun’ I didn’t realize I was longing for until I closed my eyes,” says Van Wijck.
“Clouds & Clovers” is inspired by childhood memories of summer days in her small Dutch hometown of Alblasserdam, near the Kinderdjk windmills, where her parents’ house is located. “I would often look for four-leaf clovers in the grass, watch the passing clouds, and listen to the rhythmic sound of the windmill’s wooden blades. My migration experience only intensified the feelings of nostalgia and longing inherent in this homage to my roots, my parents, and my sister.” A delicate song full of nostalgia.
“Greetings From Gottne,” dedicated to Gottne, where she spends weeks on their farmland with the Eriksson family. “Their warmth, inclusiveness, and talent for throwing amazing parties make me feel truly happy to be in Sweden. This song is dedicated to them and their extraordinary hospitality.” Magdalena Eriksson’s beautiful voice adds warmth. A song that conveys joy and gratitude and transports us to the sound of the group E.S.T.
“Nenek” and “Nenek Postlude” are a tribute to her Indonesian grandmother (nenek in her native language). It chronicles her life journey, from her childhood in Indonesia to her forced migration to the Netherlands after World War II. “Amidst the culture shock and challenges of adapting to a new society that didn’t fully understand her culture, my grandmother’s resilience and commitment to preserving her cultural values were an example to me.” She ultimately found acceptance, peace, and happiness, becoming a beloved figure among many. To reconnect with her roots, she plays the suling, a traditional Indonesian bamboo flute crafted in Java, her grandmother’s home region. The influence of E.S.T. is present again. “Nenek Postlude” is a minimalist marvel.
The album closes with “Cosmic Spring Prelude.” “Cosmic Spring” “began as a musical exploration of the awe-inspiring mysteries of the universe, a theme closely related to my background in physics and my enduring fascination with astronomy. It takes the listener on a journey, tracing the origins of the universe from the enigmatic Planck Era to its continued expansion. Although originally inspired by Frantíšek Kupka’s painting ‘Cosmic Spring II,’ today it also resonates with my experiences as a migrant. It echoes the journey and expansion of one’s identity in a new cultural context.” The first part is another beautiful composition where piano and double bass complement each other. The introspective nature continues in the second part, a relaxing listening experience.
An original artist with a warm and communicative way of interpreting the music he performs.
A beautiful work, full of captivating melodies, beautifully shaped by Armand van Wijck’s personal aesthetic.
La Habitación del Jazz