Elisabeth Andreassen with new CD. Folk music from Norway and Sweden.
Folk Music
Elisabeth "Bettan" Andreassen is one of Scandinavia’s most versatile artists and has sold more than 1 million records. After a period in the country music genre, she moves on to folk music. – Spellemann is a musical dream I have had for a long time, says Bettan. – I have collected several of my favorite tunes from Sweden and Norway. There are both traditional songs that go way back and new tunes. Ll of them are dressed in tones and instruments that we know from folk music, beautifully presented in Bjørn Ole Rasch´s production. – This is my 50th birthday, and Spellemann is a present to myself, Bettan smiles.
Personal favorites
Bettan has also picked three gems by Benny Andersson and Bjørn Ulvaeus – written after the ABBA era and which have previously been performed by the BOA (Benny Andersson’s Orchestra). All three are key songs on the CD, among them "Klinga my klockor". Orsa Spälman (originated by the BOA) also guests on these songs. Annbjørg Lien and producer Bjørn Ole Rasch helps with newly written tunes, and have set music to Henrik Wergeland´s "Sommerfugl" (a duet with Elisabeth’s daughter, Nora). Lien and Rasch also has collaborated on a folk tune from Sykkylven where Bettan´s mother comes from. Rolf Løvland´s "Bryllupssang" – the composer’s wedding gift for Bettan and her husband Tor – is included on the CD.
Bjørn Ole Rasch
Most of producer Bjørn Ole Rasch´s productions are in the landscapes of Norwegian folk music and world music. He has worked with artists such as Secret Garden, Annbjørg Lien and Sissel Kyrkjebø. He is also member of the folk ensemble Tre bukkene bruse. Rasch has worked with many international artists including Sinéad O’Connor, The Chieftains, Hanne Boel and Jose Carreras.
