Armand van Wijck – ”Nothing to Declare” New record out April 5 2024

Born into the rich tapestry of an Indo-Dutch-Creole heritage, Armand van Wijck is a globally inspired musician who weaves his multicultural experiences into captivating melodies. His music embraces a harmonious blend of modern jazz, impressionism and various folk influences, furthermore inspired by Nordic jazz icons. Armand’s work embodies unity through shared experiences, inspiring harmony amidst diversity.

Originally from the Netherlands, Armand has made a mark with his chromatic harmonica performances in his home country. When he moved to Sweden his modern jazz project evolved to what it is today. He got influenced by the genuine playing and Nordic sound of the Swedish musicians of his quartet, as well as by his partner, Riksspelman and violinist Magdalena Eriksson. Trying to reconnect with his roots while away from his home culture, he also picked up the suling, a traditional Indonesian bamboo flute.

MUSICIANS

Armand van Wijck – harmonica, suling
Björn Peterson – double bass
Axel Liljedahl Nordström – piano
Johan Björklund – drums
Magdalena Eriksson – violin, vocals

LINKS

Howling Jazz!!! – Record Label
Armand van Wijck – Musikcentrum Öst

NEW RELEASE November 3, 2023: Johan Björklund -”Pjäxeröd 2.0”


ETERNAL DARKNESS RECORDS proudly presents:
Johan Björklund – ”Pjäxeröd 2.0” (EDR001)

Bandcamp

Release date: November3, 2023
Johan Björklund -drums, electronics, nord drum, synth, rhodes, grand piano, electric guitar, electric bass, objects
Arve Henriksen – trumpet, voice, electronics
Thomas Markusson – double bass, electronics
Armand van Wijck – chromatic harmonica
Maria Palmqvist – voice
John Lönnmyr – synth, organ
Thomas Gunillasson – electric guitar


”Embracing and finding inspiration/irritation in my youth and background on the Swedish countryside is the source forcreating this music.Ever since starting my journey in music as a kid this has been an integral part in everything I have done, the fact that Igrew up in a certain, really special place in Sweden. The cultural, social and geographical background is there whether youwant it or not. These conditions forms you in certain ways, for good and for something to explore, challenge and be challenged by.

And the nature! Such a beautiful place that I see with totally new eyes now as an older and perhaps wiser person.

An old word for nomad/beggar in Swedish is Piekker and the farm were I grew up from 5 years old, is called Pjäxeröd (in really old days “Piegs Rudi”, the beggars place), close to the village of Hedekas in North East Bohuslän, Sweden.
I am no beggar but definitely a curious and adventurous nomad.

-Johan Björklund October 2023

Recording & editing: Johan Björklund
Mix & mastering:Kristofer Göransson
Layout: Thomas Gunillasson
With support from the Swedish Arts Council

Press contact: johan@johanbjorklund.se

MIRE III – ”Island Song” NEW RECORD OUT Sept 15 2023!

”ISLAND SONG” CAMJ 7972-2
Release date September 15 2023.

”Jazz is a restless music that moves ever on, sometimes seemingly impatient of its own past. MIRE III is a superb improvising trio that manages to balance innovation and history in equal measures, creating a consistent musical mood round ideas of change, emergence, maturity, self-sufficiency and proper but not slavish respect for past achievements. Island Song, the trio’s new album on CAM JAZZ, will not remind you of any of the jazz greats, but it will make you aware of them, even as it unfolds its own wings and takes flight. Pianist Joona Toivanen, bassist Thomas Markusson and drummer Johan Björklund inhabit a compelling musical atmosphere that doesn’t rely on shallow eclecticism to make its impact. This is music that has emerged fully formed into the sun of the present.”
(Brian Morton) 

Under the supervision of music producer Ermanno Basso, Island Song was recorded and mixed in September 2022 by Stefano Amerio at Artesuono Recording Studio in Cavalicco (UD), Italy, and mastered by Danilo Rossi. 

Available on all major streaming platforms and on CD.