Andreas Hellkvist - Becoming

GA Russell · October 16, 2019

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Andreas Hellkvist
"Becoming"

Impacting: November 1 2019

Format(s): Jazz

A fresh take on the sound and style of the jazz organ trio format, offering music that is both groovy and uplifting, heartfelt and deep.

Swedish Hammond phenomenon Andreas Hellkvist has earned a reputation as a Hammond organ player always in the moment, performing his music with an outstanding technique (especially with his left foot) and relentless groove.

At live concerts and internet videos, the audience is simply amazed by the expressiveness, virtuosity and playfulness that flows into the music. He has reached far outside Sweden and is enlisted as B3 artist at Hammond Organ USA. The roots and inspiration of his music are quite obvious, but it's also clear that he has developed a style of his own, both in terms of composition and playing.

His 2019 release Becoming is no exception. An obvious continuation of the path that he is on, exploring the sound, style and potential of the organ trio format and the Hammond B3. It comprises seven of his own songs, all recorded with his trio, featuring Samuel Hällkvist on guitar and Daniel Olsson on drums. Together they manage to capture the diversity of the repertoire in a way that feels natural and consistent, yet exciting and fresh.

Samuel Hällkvist is a jazz guitarist who has never been afraid of following his own path. A jazz musician with the integrity and confidence to dare to challange norms and traditions, though also not afraid of sticking to them if the music demands it. His sounds and playing significantly shapes the sound of the trio. An artist in his own right, with many exciting productions of his own in his catalogue.

Daniel Olsson is a versatile drummer comfortable in most musical contexts. Besides being Andreas' favorite drummer, he is heard in many other contexts. With a great deal of spontaneity and a solid groove he completes the trio in the best possible way.

From the liner notes by Pete Fallico:
"One gets the impression that Andreas is a devoted musician who knows how and where the organ best conveys its message. His connection to his guitarist and drummer is on a metaphysical level and it allows this music to transcend the page and float, effortlessly, within space. There is sanctity in its delivery and purity in its presence."

All photos by Palli Kristmundsson

For more information about Andreas, the trio, upcoming tours and releases, visit andreashellkvist.com.

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Andreas Hellkvist

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