Swedish vocals
International relevance: ***
An unjustly overlooked singer/songwriter who was part of the Bella Ciao collective, joined
the Tillsammans project (who didn't?), contributed to feminist album ”Tjejclown”,
and worked with Jan Hammarlund and Turid, most notably on ”Igår, idag, imorgon”. Turid also covered Ekman's song ”Om snällhet”.
Ekman's much better original version can be found on ”Hjulspår”,
her only solo album in the 70's. I actually think that ”Hjulspår”
is better than anything Turid ever did, with darker shades and a very
appealing and honest 'folk psych' touch, even a UK one. Ekman's vocals
actually remind me a bit of June Tabor even if Tabor has a deeper
ring to her voice.
The arrangements are sparse with
several seldom hired musicians such as Carin Kjellman from Folk &
Rackare, Staffan Hellstrand from Dimmornas Bro and even Silence
co-founder Eva Wilke. The songs are delicate and sincere but never
ridiculous – they are small wonders hidden in Mats Ekman's
gorgeous cover art. 'Lost classic' is an overused term but it
certainly applies to ”Hjulspår”. This is an excellent album, a beautiful piece of art, way
overdue for a wider appraisal, not to mention reissue.
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