Martina Almgren This Song of Mine

Fascinating sound and superb percussion in compositions of Tagore's poetry. Jazz, Nordic folk tones and oriental moods.

Drummer and composer Martina Almgren, embarks on an adventure, where she invites oud player Ahmad al Khatib, singer Karin Burman and Owe Almgren, acoustic bass guitar. Poetry by the Indo-Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagores is in focus with thoughts about life that relate to our existence, longing and community.

The result is lyrical music, specially written for the group, which exudes intensity and empathy, with influences from jazz, world music, Nordic folk tones, oriental moods. The oud and bass guitar form a peculiar dreamy sound that embraces the melody and the percussion comments with light intricate rhythms.

"Together, the musicians seek out a chamber jazz-oriental landscape characterized by contemplation and the scent of a starry night." #Lira 2018

During the concert, Martina talks about Tagore and his life, about the poems and what attracted her to set Tagore's lyrics to music.

Martina Almgren is a drummer and composer with a passion for expressive melodies and enticing rhythms. She has been active in Sweden and Europe in various constellations since the late 1990s: Martina Almgren Quartet, Oh Yeah Orchestra, with British pianist Zoe Rahman in MOZ trio, Scottish saxophonist Laura Macdonald, and in the new Martina Almgren PEACE OF MIND.

Reviews This Song of Mine (Oh Yeah Records 2018):

Fascinating sound, superb percussion. The percussionist and composer Martina Almgren's compositions of the Indian-Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore's poems are a beautiful and fine - tuned combination. Almgren's musical framing of the lyrical poems highlights the moods of poetry in an effective way ”LIRA # 4 2018

"Martina really makes the music breathe" The Herald