Friday, July 27, 2018

SKÄGGMANSLAGET – Pjål, gnäll & ämmel (Sonet, 1970) / Snus, mus och brännvin (Sonet, 1971)

Instrumental, Swedish vocals, other languages
International relevance: **/ **

Skäggmanslaget was one of the best known folk music groups, partly due to their involvement with Contact, playing on their best known track ”Hon kom över mon”. They also worked with accordionist Leif ”Pepparn” Pettersson on his 1973 album ”Nää, nu jäsicken!” and others, and they released a number of albums of their own. They were serious about what they did, but had a more easygoing approach than, for instance, Norrlåtar.

”Pjål, gnäll & ämmel” was their first album and nicely demonstrates their abilities. Apart from core members Peter Logård, Thore Härdelin and Wilhelm Grindsäter, Kjell Westling joins in a couple of tracks, as do noted singer Marie Selander. Contact makes an appearance here, backing Skäggmanslaget on the excellent closing track ”Gråtlåten” – what a pity they never made a full album together!

”Snus, mus och brännvin” followed suit in 1971, again with a guest appearances from Kjell Westling along with Bengt Berger, Urban Yman and nyckelharpa player Ceylon Wallin. It's an even more self-assured album than its predecessor. A fun take on famous Swedish tune ”Trettondedagsmarschen” almost sounds like a cheerful Arbete & Fritid recording features tablas, as does ”Polska efter Nils Hägg” which rounds off the album in a nice way. 
 

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