
Lisa Björänge Quintet
Lisa Björänge - Voice, Fabian Kallerdahl - Piano, Pär-Ola Landin - Double Bass & Jon Fält - Drums. Horn: Fredrik Ljungkvist
On November 24th, Lisa Björänge released her fifth album, ”Meet-Up,” on HOOB Records. For this project, she’s expanded her band, welcoming Fredrik Ljungkvist on tenor saxophone, Karin Hammar on trombone, and Tobias Wiklund on cornet to collaborate on several tracks. This also marks Lisa’s first album consisting entirely of standard songs, a natural progression for an artist with jazz in her veins since birth.
However, while exploring these timeless classics, Lisa’s originality, curiosity, and sponta- neity remain intact, breathing fresh life into these familiar tunes. The repertoire acts as a vessel, guiding the music forward and allowing it to evolve.
"Resting Spirit is an excellent group record, and memorable in its collaborative and emotional power."
Troy Dostert - All About Jazz
Swedish vocalist and improviser Lisa Björänge, a jazz singer that pushes musical boundaries. With an adventurous group of musicians she plays her own music in a playful way.
”Lisa Björänge sings and phrases with confidence, both in her improvisation and when she sings lyrics, often in the higher register of the scale. Sometimes theatrically expressive, regardless of whether it's a fast or a slow tempo. One close comparison would be how Sheila Jordan handles her voice. All songs are sung and played with an unbelievable feeling.”
”Among her own songs, the opening tunes Outside the Box and Go Away, are both played with simultaneous sharp movements and a delightful swing. The two more sombre songs You Need To be Gentle with backup song, and Falling Fast, are played with sincerity. Lisa Björänge shows that she can more than handle both uptempo and ballads very well and that she masters the art of composition. The group's interaction with one another is excellent and there is of course skillfully creative solo improvisations from each one of them within the frame of the ten songs.”
”We’re going to hear more of Lisa Björänge in the future, you can be sure of that. The rhythm/groove/power is there from the first song and more intense moments are beautifully intermixed with thoughtful solo parts. Lisa Björänge's voice can move easily and graciously, with an expression that is both musical and natural.”
”Lisa's own songs are not bad at all, on the contrary. Kill the Doubts, a song Jon Fält opens with a playful drum solo, has an energy and a drive that makes me completely elated. Falling Fast, with Fabian Kallerdahl's beautifully played piano intro, Lisa's sensitive song and Pär- Ola Landin's soft bass solo leaves you with goosebumps.”
”Behind the microphone, one of the most expressive of all the young jazz vocalists that have made an appearance on the jazz scene lately. Lisa Björänge dares to show herself from many sides. Tender at times, bold at others, composed when it is appropriate and damn intensive at other crucial moments. Her scat singing is high class and the collaboration with her band members is a joy to see and hear.”





