Christmas by Söderbacka-Matikainen Duo

Guitarist Martin Söderbacka and bassist Eevalotta Matikainen have invited a number of guests for their album: Simon Granlund (vocals), Mikael Svarvar (vocals, piano), Charlotta Kerbs (vocals), Mika Mylläri (trumpet), Jonas Rintala (saxophone) and Mikko Pettinen (flugelhorn, trumpet). The trilingual album contains new arrangements of old Christmas hymns and traditional Finnish and Swedish Christmas songs such as "Av himlens höjd", Tonttujen Jouluyö (Tomtarnas Julnatt), "O Helga Natt" and ”Varpunen Jouluaamuna in English, Finnish and Swedish as well as instrumental pieces. The album was produced by Söderbacka and Matikainen.

The music on this album is atmospheric as Martin and Eevalotta also utilize effects and versatile tones from the double bass and the archtop jazz guitar. The well known melodies are veiled in the hands of the ensemble into fresh arrangements, that attract the listeners to stop and get into the holiday feel.

Tracklist

1.	O Come All Ye Faithful (w/ Martin Söderbacka, Eevalotta Matikainen, Mikael Svarvar)	3:52

2.	Det är en ros utsprungen (w/ Simon Granlund, Mikael Svarvar, Martin Söderbacka, Eevalotta Matikainen)	4:19

3.	Tonttujen Jouluyö / Tomtarnas Julnatt (w/ Mika Mylläri, Martin Söderbacka, Eevalotta Matikainen)	3:27

4.	Av Himlens Höjd Jag Kommen Är (w/ Mikael Svarvar, Mikko Pettinen, Martin Söderbacka, Eevalotta Matikainen)	5:08

5.	Varpunen Jouluaamuna (w/ Charlotta Kerbs, Martin Söderbacka, Eevalotta Matikainen)	4:05

6.	Greensleeves / What Child Is This? (w/ Jonas Rintala, Martin Söderbacka, Eevalotta Matikainen)	5:21

7.	Intro to Cantique de Noël (w/ Eevalotta Matikainen)	1:35

8.	O Helga Natt (w/ Simon Granlund, Mikael Svarvar, Martin Söderbacka, Eevalotta Matikainen)	4:44

9.	Jul, Jul, Strålande Jul (w/ Simon Granlund, Martin Söderbacka, Eevalotta Matikainen)	2:57

Credits

released December 30, 2022

Vocals: Simon Granlund (2,8,9), Charlotta Kerbs (5), Martin Söderbacka (1), Mikael Svarvar (4)
Guitar: Martin Söderbacka
Bass: Eevalotta Matikainen
Piano: Mikael Svarvar (1,2,8)
Trumpet: Mika Mylläri (3), Mikko Pettinen (5)
Flugelhorn: Mikko Pettinen (4)
Saxophone: Jonas Rintala (6)

All songs arranged by Martin Söderbacka & Eevalotta Matikainen
Recorded at ELive Music Studio, Kälviä, Finland 10-11/2022, except track 9 recorded 11/2021
Mixed and mastered by Martin Söderbacka
Produced by Söderbacka-Matikainen Duo
Cover artwork by Eevalotta Matikainen
ELive CD 003

License