A quick glance at the list of song titles on this album reveals the importance of nature to Anna Greta’s work. Every artist wants to develop a unique approach to their work, and that’s certainly something that emerges in this collection of 12 songs.
Partly influenced by the isolation of the pandemic, but also stretching over a longer period of around two years, Greta found an approach that felt right for her, not wanting to be forced into the jazz stereotype of band singer. The result? Songs that tell of time and space, being part of something so much bigger than ourselves, of engagement with the natural landscape, questioning, probing, waiting. And, although the style is unique, there are clear influences of jazz, pop, classical and folk in the mix.
Greta has surrounded herself with a bunch of sympathetic musicians (including her father who makes a guest appearance), resulting in a sound that supports her voice, pushes it when the need arises, and steps back when the mood demands it.
Ethereal and probing, Greta’s voice and approach to songwriting are certainly fresh. It’s a welcome break from the usual love ballads as she’s exploring a wider canvas than just human relationships. It will be interesting to see where she takes her ideas next.
Discography
Nightjar In The Northern Sky; Ray Of Sun; Sleepless; The Tunnel; Blue Streams; Mountain; Falling Down; Like A River; Home; Waiting Never Ends; Guide The Way; Carry Me Across The Sky (48.25)
Greta (p, kyb, v); Skuli Sverrisson, Johan Tengholm (b); Einar Scheving, Magnus Trygvason Eliassen (d); Hilmar Jensson (g); Sigurour Flosason (ts); Ragnheiour Grondal (v). Iceland, 5-6 January 2021 and Stockholm, March 2021.
ACT 9744-2
