One
of the original members and chief composers of Swedish pop pioneers,
ABBA, Benny Andersson makes a solid return to form with the
CD release of Story Of A Heart, released March 2010 in America
on Decca Records. That sound that made ABBA such a household word
around the globe remains in peak form on Bennys new 14 track
CD. Athough credited to Benny, much of the music here was written
in collaboration with Bennys ABBA buddy Björn Ulvaeus.
The two lead off tracks, Glasgow Boogie and Trolska
border on a near progressive, traditional instrumental sound based
upon the finest Swedish musical traditions, while quickly coming after,
track three, the title track Story Of A Heart is one of
the great pop songs ABBA never got to record. A number one if there
was one. Timed to coincide with ABBA being inducted into the rock
and roll hall of fame on March 15, 2010, Story Of A Heart is
a masterful mix of Swedish folk traditions, big band music, Bach style
classical, polkas, waltzes, Celtic folk, 50s pop and ABBA style
pop and roll. Other key instrumental tracks here like "Tyrolean
Schottische", "Cirkus Finemang" and "Jehu"
are slightly reminiscent of the (now) late, great Lars Hollmer, who
was one of the architects behind the joining together of rock and
Svenska polska in Sweden. Commenting on the CD, Benny adds, I
wanted to make music based on the Swedish folk tradition, but with
new songs written by me. On hand are a number of Swedish music
superstars including singers Helen Sjöholm and Tommy
Körberg, Swedish guitar ace Kalle Moraeus and loads
more. If you miss ABBA and the great Lasse Hollmer and the magnificent
Euro-pop aura they created in the 70s and early 80s, youll
find much fine music to enjoy on Bennys Anderssons outstanding
solo album. www.DeccaRecords-us.com