Elysian Fields Album Launch
FIKA, the new album release by Elysian Fields, Australia’s electric viola da gamba band will have its official live launch with two performances as a proud participant in the Sydney Women’s International Jazz Festival.
At the launch concert, Elysian Fields will also give the first public performance of “Shadows” by celebrated young Australian composer Alice Chance – highlighting the classical-jazz crossover as well as women composers at a women’s jazz festival. Alice, ensemble leader Jenny Eriksson and singer/violinist Susie Bishop will draw on their classical roots to create beautiful music that plays and sings to the gathering of friends with food and fine conversation. The warm, light-filled album weaves together family history, music, art, and friendships from the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The concert is the band’s opportunity to launch it in style, with a live audience in an atmospheric COVID-safe venue
The project has deep roots in viola da gambist and artistic director, Jenny Eriksson’s Swedish ancestry. Fika (pron. ‘fee-ka’), takes its name from the Swedish practice of fika: sitting down for coffee, conversation and pastries with friends and family.
In addition to several folk song arrangements by pianist Matt McMahon and Susie Bishop, Fika presents Australian-first recordings of music by renowned Norwegian jazz pianist and composer, Jan Gunnar Hoff, and Swedish jazz greats, e.s.t.. The album opens with his piece “Living” and closes with a heart-felt cover of the e.s.t. ballad, “Believe Beleft Below”.
The CD booklet also features paintings by Swedish artist Nils Gunnar Zander, who has divided his time between Australia and Stockholm, drawing inspiration from the landscapes of the Australian outback.
The live launch takes place with two performances – at 3pm and 6pm and tickets are $40 / $35 concession.
Tickets $40/$35 conc. Bookings: www.moshtix.com.au
