Mrs Beautiful's descendants

22-08-2010

When I was in the studio in Sweden this summer, recording my relatives for Mrs Beautiful's Guitar (see earlier news entry) photographer Nouna Andersson was kind enough to document it. If would like to see a few of the pics, just click on this text.

Photos by Nouna Andersson, documenting a recording of Mrs Beautiful's Guitar, with descendants of the song's main character on backing vocals.

You can enlarge the photos by clicking on them.

The pictured singers are (in order):
Ulrika Carlsson - great granddaughter, Rosa Rebecka's cousin
Sara Lyons - great granddaughter, Rosa Rebecka's sister
Elsa Folkesson Lyons - great great granddaughter, Rosa Rebecka's niece

News

A Gift

23-05-2013

If you click on the 'listen' tab and scroll down, you'll find a free live soundcloud download of my song 'Let All This Darkness', recorded in the lush acoustics of Shebbear's old school room. Enjoy!

Mbira and Me

04-05-2013

Here's something nicely silly for you: I made a little smartphone video of a Swedish folk song, accompanied on the mbira, filmed outside on a windy day. Click to see it!

Guitar journey

13-04-2013

It's been done: My mother's mother's mother's guitar has now been passed on to me. It's crossed the sea and is currently getting used to the damp Devon climate. I'm so lucky to have this special instrument. Click for an image of me with the guitar, safely in Devon!

Bebop at Byns Bistro

05-04-2013

Currently in Gothenburg, Sweden, and enjoyed a lovely gig at Byns Bistro, where some fantastic jazz musicians added their own personal touches to a couple of my songs. Click to see a picture of it!

Warm Rewards

29-03-2013

A big thank you to Music Maker for the kind review of Songs for Mrs Beautiful. Click for a link to it!

Nyckelharpa News

18-03-2013

Very excited about playing support for one for Sweden's best nyckelharpa-players this Friday! Click for a link to hear Peter Puma Hedlund do his thing on this magical instrument!

New page

24-02-2013

This website now has a brand new page! You can find a small collection of my music videos if you click on the 'Videos' tab above.

Heartful of Seaweed

03-02-2013

Click to view the music video to Heartful of Seaweed, filmed on a glorious summer's day on the island Donsö in Sweden.

Judi and Me reprise

26-01-2013

A huge thank you to Judi Spiers on BBC Radio Devon - I had a great time at her show yesterday. A truly lovely lady. And I am immensely pleased that I made her cry. Is that bad?

Click to hear the interview.

Judi and Me

22-01-2013

This Friday, I'll be vising the Judi Spiers show on BBC radio Devon at 11.00 am. I'll be playing a live song, and playing a few tracks from the new album. Tune in to hear me sweat!

Singing in the Rain

13-01-2013

Click to view the second music video for the album 'Songs for Mrs Beautiful'! There I was, on the Dorset Jurassic coast, singing the 900-year-old troubadour song 'Can Vei La Lauzeta' on a typical English summer's day...

American Airwaves

06-01-2013

While I was in the States last week I did an interview with John Myers for the Folk Show on MTPR. If you want to hear it, it should be broadcast on the 8th of Jan, 10 pm English time. Click for a picture of it being recorded, and a web link to listen. Sadly no listen again, so I hope I've got the time difference right...

Winter Greetings

16-12-2012

A huge thank you to the beautiful singers who performed at the St Lucia procession with me in Exeter, and to the gorgeous Londoners who celebrated Chanukah with me at the BKY gig, and to the beautiful Torbay Choir for their lovely Christmas and Wassail songs... However you choose to celebrate this season, I hope it is filled with light and joy!

Japan - Part 2

28-11-2012

More Japanese radio airplay: Satoshi at FM Nishi Tokyo devoted his programme this weekend to Songs for Mrs. Beautiful. If you want to hear it, click for a link to the listen-again side (there's me speaking in English too if you're not fluent).

Lucia venue change

22-11-2012

Due to double bookings, the St Lucia procession venue has been moved to Emmanuel Church in Exeter. Hope to see you there on dec 13. There will be candles, singing and saffron buns!

Japan - Part 1

14-11-2012

A huge thank you to Satoshi and FM Nishi Tokyo! Here's the link to their listen-again podcast - and you can find me at the very end of the show on November 11. This is just a taster: My music will feature more heavily on their 25th of Nov program. I'll keep you updated!

Nomination

24-10-2012

I appear to have been nominated for the South West Music Award for best acoustic act. Regardless of the outcome, I am absolutely chuffed and grateful to those who nominated and voted for me!

Songs for Mrs Beautiful on Amazon

16-10-2012

Songs for Mrs Beautiful is now available as a download on Amazon - and that means that, in addition to playing samples of all of the songs, it's open to the public for customer reviews.... So if you want to share your thoughts with the world, or just want to sample the music, click for the link.

Misbehaving throat

13-10-2012

This weekend's gigs are sadly cancelled, since I've got a throat infection...

Returning waves

09-10-2012

If you missed my interview on Riviera FM, a recording of the show is now available to listen to on the net. Click here for the link.

On the waves of Riviera FM

04-10-2012

I'll be on Riviera Fm visiting Jackson Cooper's show this coming Saturday at 10 pm - I should have time to do three live songs. Click for the link if you would like to listen live.

Calling all Exeter singers!

03-10-2012

Calling singers in the Exeter area! Lucia rehearsals to start this coming Saturday. If you haven't experienced this already, it's a Swedish celebration involving singing, candles and saffron buns, and we will be performing on the 13th of December. Please let me know if you'd like to join us - No previous experience necessary!

Album now available

25-09-2012

A huge thank you to the extraordinary guest musicians, singers and dancer (!) who helped make the launch of Songs for Mrs Beautiful such a success. We sold out! The new album is now available to buy on this link.

Songs for Mrs Beautiful

23-09-2012

Today sees the launch of the new album Songs for Mrs Beautiful! The physical CD will be on sale on this website this week, and you can already get it on itunes. Click here for the link.

Long Time Coming

20-09-2012

After four years of recording, I'm finally launching my new album with a big concert this Sunday at 6 pm in Exeter! A majority of the tickets have now been sold, but there are still some available. Click here for the ticket link.

Roots and Shoots

16-09-2012

I'll be on Roots and Shoots on Phonic FM this coming Monday (17 Sept) from 7 pm, and I'll be playing a couple of songs live. Click here for the link if you'd like to listen live!

Growing voices

27-08-2012

A couple of days ago I had a great first rehearsal with my backing singers for the album launch: four of my singing students, and two ex-singing students. They're all glorious singers - and they're commendably pliable, since they're all already used to me bossing them about...

And Again...

19-08-2012

A big thank to to John Govier for inviting me to be a guest on yesterday's BBC radio show: A lovely atmosphere, some really interesting fellow guests, and chocolate doughnuts! If you missed it, it will be available for a week - Just click for the link.

BBC Radio Devon

16-08-2012

I'll be on John Govier's show on BBC Radio Devon this Saturday (the 18th of August) 10 am - 1 pm. If you're not in Devon, you can listen live over the net - Just click here for the link!

The countdown begins...

23-07-2012

Two months 'till the launch concert of the coming album. The design work is almost done, and the tracks are being mastered. While waiting, perhaps I can tell you about the wonderful musicians who will be joining me on stage? Click for the first offering.

Dancing out

10-07-2012

Saturday the 14th will see the last show in the tour of the dance 'Mother' (details under 'gigs'). Really hope to be working with choreographer Jules and dancers Sarah and Sofie again in the future - They've been a real inspiration.

Album Launch news

23-06-2012

Tickets are now available for the album launch! After years in the making, we're finally setting 'Songs for Mrs Beautiful' free in September, with a big concert packed with exciting guest musicians. Click for booking link.

...And more bluebells

13-06-2012

A few more pics by Steve Bennett from the filming mentioned in the previous post. Click to view the beautiful Dartmoor scenery!

Bluebells

19-05-2012

A week ago, we started shooting the music video for the song 'Bluebells', filming it on Dartmoor. Click to see photos by Steve Bennett from the day.

Phonic Musings

16-05-2012

I'll be on Exeter's Phonic FM radio on Thursday 17th of May between 5-6 p.m, singing and chatting. Click if you would like to listen live online!

The Collector Revisited

03-05-2012

Last year, I did an interview and a couple of live songs for a lovely local radio show called Jackson Cooper's Riviera Showcase. I only just found out that there is a video from the session of me singing of one of the songs on Youtube. Click to watch.

Wild mountain time

29-03-2012

I had the lovely and unbelievably gifted guitarist Michael Watts come visit me last weekend. Click to see a video of what we got up to.

Movers and Shakers

10-03-2012

A huge thank you to the dancers - I've had a wonderful time working on this week's dance show, moving between instruments, trying not to fall over while they dance gracefully around me... Very much looking forward to doing more of this!

Delightful Dancing

27-02-2012

I have recently had the great fortune to collaborate with some very gifted dancers, doing the music for a Plymouth show in March, which includes specially composed songs. You can find out more in GIGS.

Influences

26-01-2012

I recently did a little radio interview on influences and inspirations on Totnes FM. Click if you would like to hear it.

Totnesian Airwaves X 2

16-01-2012

If you missed the Totnes show, you can now hear it on internet radio. Click for details.

Sublime Singing

09-01-2012

The last guest musician has now visited the studio: The sublime singer Tobias ben Jacob. Click for pictures of the session.

Totnesian airwaves

31-12-2011

Really looking forward to playing in Totnes on the 7th of Jan. If you can't make it, it will be broadcast live as well! Click for details.

Lucia footage 2011

21-12-2011

A huge thank you to the wonderful angels, star boys and saint who sang with me in this years Exeter Lucia procession! Click on this link to see footage.

Venue changes

30-11-2011

St Lucia has been moved to a different church in Exeter! You can read about our movements - and this weekend's gig in Plymouth - under 'gigs'.

Singing in the Seasons

14-11-2011

If you'd like to join me for a full day singing workshop, I'll be running a day of winter songs in the rather magical Kingcombe, in Dorset. You can find more details in gigs.

Calling singers in the Exeter area!

02-10-2011

Calling all singers of all abilities! We're about to start rehearsals for this year's Lucia procession in Exeter, and if you'd like to give it a go, I'd love to teach you. Click for footage and more info.

Teddy Bears and Stars

05-09-2011

Getting ready for this weekends' gig amongst Crediton's teddy bears (!), but also want to give heads up for the support slot in a month's time, for Irish folk star Cara Dillon. It's likely to sell out quickly. More into under GIGS

Songs of the Riviera

17-08-2011

This saturday (the 20th) around 8.15 p.m., I'll be visiting the local radio station Riviera FM for a small interview and a couple of live songs. Click here for the link to listen online live.

Late booking

15-06-2011

Just to let you know I'll be playing at the Exeter Fringe Festival on Monday the 27th of June - you can find details under GIGS.

Respect!

13-06-2011

Click to view a sample of my performance at the Exeter Respect festival. I had a great audience and a lovely time.

New Song

01-06-2011

Here's a quick take on my latest song - Click to have a peek!

Oh dear...

28-05-2011

... I've been terrible at updating the website. Sorry about that! I've just popped up some more gigs on the GIG page, and more news will follow shortly.

Airplay for Singing Swedes

07-04-2011

ExeSwedes, a Swedish singing quintet I run in Exeter, will be making their first local radio appearance on Monday. Click for details.

Percussive Magic and Accordion Treats

23-03-2011

Yesterday, we had two guest musicians in the studio: JD Dalton working some percussive magic, and Paul Wilson adding some rich accordion and shimmering violin. Click for images of the session.

Untold on Spotify

10-03-2011

The album Untold has finally been released on digital music service Spotify. Click here for the link.

Guest musician video

28-02-2011

Click on this link to see a video of guitarist Michael Watts. He wrote this delicate piece a few days after having visited the studio for his guest appearance on my next album.

Singing in the forest

03-02-2011

This winter, I recorded a video singing Shema for the Woodland Trust. Click here if you would like to see it!

Studio update

20-01-2011

Today, the wonderful fiddlers Nick Wyke and Becki Driscoll visited the studio to add their sounds to the coming album. Click on this text to see snapshots of them in action.

Winter pics

12-01-2011

This winter in Sweden, I had some photo sessions Susanna Myrberg and Sven Bergersjö. You can see the results by scrolling to their names in the GALLERY.

Merry Christmas!

23-12-2010

Click on this text for a very small Christmas gift.

Lucia footage

16-12-2010

A huge thank you to the brilliant singers in this years Exeter Lucia procession. If you would like to see footage of the event, just click on this post.

Lucia venue update

01-12-2010

Just came back from a Lucia rehearsal - Can't wait, it's sounding magical! I bring you a warning, though: Of the two venues we'll be visiting, the 8.30pm is now fully booked. A few people may still be able to squeeze in on the night, but please come to the 6.15pm showing if you want to be sure! See details on GIGS.

St Lucia link

03-11-2010

Really looking forward to the Swedish St Lucia procession in Exeter. If you want to know what it's all about, there's a webpage showing footage from previous years. You can view it by clicking HERE.

Calling all Devon singers

26-10-2010

It's nearing that time again: On the 13th of December, I'll be organising the annual Swedish St Lucia's procession in Exeter, a singing event complete with saffron buns and candles on heads. If you'd like to take part, please contact me - No previous experience necessary!

New Sounds

07-10-2010

A few days ago I was given a rather wonderful gift: I am now the proud owner of a beautiful mandola. Give me a little time, and I should be able to add its sounds to the repertoire.

Acoustica Festival

16-09-2010

Really looking forward to playing this weekend: I will be in the excellent company of more than 60 fellow acoustic performers at the festival. You can explore the line-up on their website HERE.

Pics from the Park

01-09-2010

The gifted Nouna Andersson took some new publicity shots this summer, and they have now been uploaded to this site: If you're curious, just scroll down to her name in the GALLERY.

Mrs Beautiful's descendants

22-08-2010

BBC Radio South West

16-08-2010

Yesterday I had the pleasure to do a radio interview and some live songs on BBC South West, and the programme is now available to listen to again for one week only. If you're curious, you can listen to the feature on me by fast forwarding to 2.33.13 on THIS LINK.

Acoustic Magazine

12-08-2010

The september issue of Acoustic Magazine is now in the shops, and they were kind enough to interview me in their feature about Brook guitars (I play a Brook...). You can read the article HERE

Mrs Beautiful's Guitar

07-08-2010

There is a track on the coming album that features my great grandmother's guitar, and all its vocal harmonies will be the voices of her descendants. I've recently returned from Sweden, where we recorded my sister Sara, cousin Ulrika and niece Elsa, who were all magnificent.

Pics from the coast

28-07-2010

I was down by the coast of Gothenburg yesterday, and Sven Bergersjö took some lovely, summery photos of me, the place, and his rather charming guitar. You can see them by scrolling down to his name in the GALLERY.

Recording progress

09-07-2010

We've finally finished the first cautious mix of the first completed song on the coming album. There's plenty more to do, and it'll all be heard in time - but in the meantime, I can tell you that this song is 'In Praise of Grey', and that you can watch its brilliant guest guitarist, Michael Watts, play by clicking HERE.

Remembering HOME

04-07-2010

A big thank you to HOME festival, what gorgeous day that was! I did a couple of sets: On on the acoustic stage, and one out in the sun under a tree... You can see a picture of it HERE.

HOME

11-06-2010

Really looking forward to playing at the festival HOME in Dartington, one of my favourite places in the world! Other artists include Eddie Reader, and a number of exciting artists from across the globe. You can read about it HERE

Japanese airplay

20-05-2010

Radio Nishi Tokyo recently broadcast a program about my music. It's in Japanese, and features various songs from Untold, and I do a spoken introduction in English early in the show. You can hear it on THIS WEBSITE.

...And even more

06-05-2010

I've just uploaded some more pics in the gallery: A few gloriously strange ones by Susanna Myrberg. You can see them by scrolling to her name in the GALLERY.

New photos

28-04-2010

Over Easter Nouna Andersson took some new photos that you can find if you go the gallery and scroll down to her name. You can find the gallery HERE.

Baby guitar

15-04-2010

I'm very excited: Today I picked up my custom-made Brook guitar. It's a gorgeous little nylon-string of local yew, that will accompany me on stage from now on. You can see pics of it being made by clicking HERE.

More lovely instruments

17-03-2010

The latest studio visit saw Drum adding the instrument Hang to a second track on the coming album. You can find out more about this magical instrument HERE.

Shruti

24-02-2010

The latest guest musician to visit the studio was the lovely Jackie Oates. Jackie is the winner of two BBC folk awards, and she's playing the shruti on one of the tracks on the coming album. If you're curious, you can see her in the studio playing this beautiful instrument by clicking HERE.

Radio - Listen again

15-02-2010

A big thank you to Richard Digance and BBC Radio Devon/Jersey for the nice interview on Valentine's day. Richard tells me the last woman he interviewed before me was Joni Mitchell! I join him about half an hour into the programme, and you can hear it again by clicking on THIS LINK.

BBC radio

05-02-2010

I'm excited to say I'll be doing an interview for BBC radio Devon and Jersey, to be broadcast on Valentine's day. The folk show is at 5 p.m. on Sunday the 14th of February, and, well, at some point in the show I'll be talking and singing. If you're not within broadcasting reach, you can hear it over internet: There's a listen live button on BBC Devon's homepage which you can find HERE.

An Evening of Enchantment

20-01-2010

The last of the feedback following last year's musical Swedish evening in Bere Ferrers arrived in the post today: A kind review from the Parish Magazine, which you can read by clicking HERE

2010

07-01-2010

After a lovely break with my parents in Sweden, I'm back in the UK and eager to get back into work: I'm excited to be returning to the studio again for the next CD. Yes, it's slow moving, but it IS moving - Honest!

See Exeter's St Lucia singers

24-12-2009

Seasons greetings!

For those of you who missed this year's Swedish Lucia procession, Dave Marsdin was kind enough to film it. He's gradually putting it on youtube. You'll find a growing collection of songs if you visit youtube by clicking HERE.

...and another one

18-12-2009

Another little mention of the charity concert in Times Gazette this week - You can see it HERE.

Effervescent evenings

14-12-2009

Firstly, a huge thank you to the angels, star boys and Lucias who made yesterdays Swedish St Lucia celebration such a magical experience. More documentation to follow!

In the meantime, a thank you to the Times Gazette for the kind summery of last month's charity event, which you can read HERE.

St Lucia's Day

04-12-2009

On Sunday the 13th of December it's time for the annual Swedish St Lucia procession to take over Exeter! I'll be joined by a number of gorgeous singers, both natives and swedes, to sing the Swedish songs and hand out traditional treats. You can find out details by clicking on 'gigs', and you can read an article about it published in Western Morning News by clicking HERE.

And the sum of money raised at the Charity Concert is...

24-11-2009

...£759! This money, raised at the concert on the 21st of November, will be donated to Lifeline Resources.

Last saturday's Swedish charity concert

23-11-2009

Wow, I don't know where to start: A sold out booking, a gorgeously decorated hall, friendly volunteers serving a delicious three-course meal, the lovely audience members (some of whom had dressed in the colours of the Swedish flag for the occasion!)... A huge thank you to the volunteers, to Bere Ferrers - what a place! - to Marcel who did a lovely job MCing, and above all to the wonderful Tilly Kelly for all her work organising the event! Details of how much money was raised for Lifeline will follow shortly.