BENNY ANDERSSON/KLINGA MINA KLOCKOR MML 01 (-87) SWEDEN

After ABBA dissolved Benny Andersson became even busier as producer, arranger, composer of film scores, participating in various group outfits and together with Björn Ulveaus writing for a number of musicals where of "Chess" probably the most internationally known. But checking early history I don't think it would be too off saying this first solo album (eng. "Chime My Bells"), where he interpret and in a way continue the Swedish folk music tradition, is the one closest to his heart. As growing up with father and grandfather both accordeon players into traditional folk and getting his first own accordeon at age six, he early must have learned to play the old tunes besides schlagers and rock'n'roll. All cuts here are self-penned. Title track a long symphonic piece with lyrics by Björn Ulveaus, mainly performed by The Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and a quire consisting of a large number famed Swedish female vocalists, including Anni-Frid Lyngstad (see list below). "Efter Regnet" (After The Rain) a wistful ballad with lyrics by Mats Nörklit, sung by Tommy Körberg and Karin Glenmark. The rest instrumental, either backed by Orsa Spelmanslag (Orsa Fiddler Squad) with Benny on accordeon, or orchestra. Never thought I'd call Swedish traditional type music catchy, but this is, carried by the same blend of archetypal and modern that shaped so many of his ABBA melodies though here with emphasis on the former. The orchestrated folk tunes in the same vein as the old masters Hugo Alfvén or August Söderman, the more traditional just that but with melodies seemingly adjusted to modern ears. Favorite tracks - the grandiose and beautiful title piece and "Födelsedagsvals Till Mona" (Birthday Waltz For Mona)- written to his wife Mona Nörklit - couldn't be more Swedish with its key somewhere between major and minor, making it melancholy and positive at the same time. As an album probably not for the rock fan, but folk lovers and/or die-hard ABBA fans should feel at home here. Also released as CD with same tracking (MMCD 001). Dutch LP and CD on Dureco (1150701/2). Premiere Swedish had label as shown here and thin glossy cover with lyric/credit/picture inner. (ÄBBÖ*) (SCÄ*) (CCÖ*)