ANDERS HAGBERG

WITH HOPE

Prophone Records

Anders Hagberg, flutes (concert/alto/bass/contrabass)/soprano saxophone/Matusi/ & Singing Bowl; Johannes Lundberg, double bass/vocals/Oberheim/fx; Joona Toivanen, piano/prepared piano/synthesizer/key Bird/fx; Helge Andreas Norbakken, percussion/drums.

The flute is such a soothing instrument.  Anders Hagberg brings an assortment of flutes to this project, including concert flute, alto, bass and contrabass flutes.  He also plays soprano saxophone, the Matusi and the Singing Bowl. Here is a gifted artist who has released an album, “With Hope,” to respond to a world in turmoil.

During a time when war and polarization is tearing our earth apart, and while climate change roars in protest to what humanity has selfishly done to planet earth, Anders Hagberg wants his music to make a difference.

“For me, this music is a response to the challenges we face. …In small acts of resistance and resilience, music allows us to see the beauty that still exists in these uncertain times,” Hagberg wrote in his press package.

His music and original compositions reflect multiple cultures.  Hagberg often merges folk melodies with his original ideas.  On three pieces, “Ruins,” “Evening Hymn,” and the title tune, “With Hope” he found inspiration from Gammelsvenskby chorales, grounded in Ukrainian culture.  His tune “Arctic Call” draws from an “Inuit Drum Song.”  Anders’ composition titled “Woods in Blue” is a reflection of a traditional Swedish polka from Härjedalen. His final piece on this album is a reimagined arrangement of Francis Poulenc’s choral masterwork, “O Magnum Mysterium.”

I found great peace of mind and tranquility in the music of Anders Hagberg, starting with his composition, “Elasticity of Trees.”

The Ukraine inspired “Ruins” composition is colored by the percussion of Helge Andreas Norbakken and electronic synthesized sounds that broaden the soundscape.

The various uses of an assortment of flute solos by Hagberg, along with Joona Toivanen’s sensitive piano contributions warms the heart.  This is a lovely album of meditative music that transcends genres.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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