Saturday, August 11, 2018

THOMAS MERA GARTZ – Sånger (Silence, 1976)

Swedish vocals
International relevance: ***
 
As with Thomas Tidholm, Thomas Mera Gartz was much better when he was in charge of his own album and not only a part of Träd, Gräs Och Stenar. Only two Träd, Gräs Och Stenar members appear prominently on ”Sånger”, guitarist Jakob Sjöholm and bassist Torbjörn Abelli. Instead, Gartz wisely opted for a set of musicians with a good instrumental grasp; Bo Skoglund, Roland Keijser, Bengt Berger, Anita Livstrand and Nikke Ström to name most of the participants.

Gartz may not have been the world's greatest singer, but ”Sånger's” intimacy, melancholy and the musicians' interplay are so much more important to the outcome. The entire album has a tender delicacy to it, it's both fragile and frail, heartfelt and sincere, with an openendedness inviting the listener to come closer and closer until you can't help embracing the music. The stellar cast of performers helps immensely of course. They listen with in the songs and within themselves, enter musical openings, bring elusive spiritual overtones to the songs, move the music and their fellow players forward. Gartz leads but ”Sånger” is a collective effort, an example of what might happen if vision and skills meet.

Full album playlist

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