The title of Slowman‘s new album “I’m Back” is of course a hint of that he’s back with a new record, but first of all he’s announcing that he’s back to his musical roots. And that’s how the new album feels, an exploration of classic blues, blues rock, some contry rock plus soul and funk. The blues is what feels the most, the dist knob are cranked up a bit more, the edges not too polished and his got his hands deep down in classic, fertile timeless soil. I’d say that he’s standing even more secure with this new album.

Roses and Wine
Me and the blues

Listen and read more on Slowman’s site

A little more than a year ago Dubious Quip released his singel “Obedient Minds”, and in the end of last year he finally presented the follow-up album with the same name. And the seven tracks on the album feel like a great continuation of the journey that he started with the song “Obedient Minds”. With mr Quip’s own mix of hip hop, reggae and soul, it’s laidback, cool and nice to listen to.

And it gets even better with the contribution from a personal favourite, Ulf Ljusberg, who visits with his song “Make It Right”, where he also sings. Pitz and R.A.W. also contributes in a couple of tracks with a really cool rap, which fits perfectly with the atmosphere on the album.

You can follow Dubious Quip on his site, where you also can listen to the other tracks. The album is also available on his Bandcamp page.

Free
Make It Right (feat. Ulf Ljusberg & Pitz)

It just hit me how few of the artists I present here on Meadowmusic that actually sing in Swedish. After all, the purpose of the blog is to present new Swedish music, but I guess that’s more or less how it is on the Swedish music scene today. If that’s good or bad I’ll let you decide for yourself.

But when I listen to the indie-soul, sung in Swedish, from År & Dar, as a Swede, I definitely feel closer to the music. There’s nothing in the way and the words find their way inside me directly. This is not about soul from a glamorous scene, it’s soul with rolled upp sleeves, which walks beside me as I travel under the cold and grey November skies. And it feels a little lighter, a little bit warmer.

Adam Pålsson’s voice is made for this. It’s earthbound, unpolished and soulful, and lifts the music to another level. Listen for yourself here below where you’ll find two videos and the song “Vad blir det av oss” (“What becomes of us?), which you can listen to and download.

You can find År & Dar on their Myspace page.

Vad blir det av oss:

Har du tröttnat än:

Vad blir det av oss?

As the summer went into hiding for a moment, at least here in Sweden, it’s nice to listen to some music that reminds us of warmer seasons. An Klara Kazmi can really deliver this, along with a lot of joy and inner warmth.

She has a smooth nice voice, reminding a little of Macy Gray. Her soul is often mixed with a backbeat, that shouts out summer. Luckily for us she has an EP out now, “Quest For Klarity”, which is also free for download on her web site. You can also meet Klara Kazmi on Myspace.

Go With the Flow:

Lalaland
Go With the Flow

I listen to “Blow My Mind” with Susanne Jonsson singing, and it feels like I’m sitting on a soft soul pillow, comfortable and pleasant in every way. The feeling of the seventies’ soul a la Stevie Wonder in a symbiosis with Susanne’s sensitive vocals, like a more souly Carole King with jazz vibes. Perfect. Just listen for yourself in three great soul tracks below.

Here I also have to mention her partner, co-musician and co-producer Stefan Jernståhl, a fantastic musician, whom we find behind the keyboards and many other instruments. For many, Stefan is well known as a musician after his work with a long row of great artists, like for example Eric Gadd, Robyn, Stephen Simmonds, Nils Landgren, Salem al Fakir…well maybe it’s easier to mention those he hasn’t played with.

Visit Susanne at her site, where you can read more about her, listen to more tracks and also download a bunch of great songs. You’ll also find her on Myspace.

“The Universe” live:

Blow My Mind
‘Round Summertime
Believin’