These three CD's of the Swedish performer Lars Karlasson belong in "one group" having a cheerful sound plus melodic melodies (from both the accordion and the diatonic folk instrument) in combination with other instruments to bring together a "sound of today" pop music style. Electric bass, percussion and guitar add to the popular folk touch to transform the product for everybody. Lars Karlsson isvery well-known in Sweden with his own radio program and also for being a true ambassador of the accordion. Thinking of Swedish folk music, one does not think exclusively of short pieces and dancing (cliché of this type of music), but also of "good" melody and what enthuses me the most, with this musical project, the slow pieces. Their rhythmic style with some taste of "commercial" sound also, features the accordion as the primary musical focus. Another important factor is the popularity - not in regards of reputation and richness but of communication, that this type of music possesses in respect "to the people" of every age. I point to the slow pieces "Drop Höstvind" (CD Inspiration), and then the contrast with the hip-hop "FörResten" (CD Lars Karlsson Band) "2002" and "Panik the Chokladfabriken" (CD 2002). I am certain that these pieces distinguish themselves especially for the excellent sound combination between accoustic and electric resonance. |