Mojna – Väntenätter (Heilo/Grappa, 2024)
Mojna, a Swedish/Norwegian trio previously known as Eriksson/Myhr/Malmström, offers a distinctive mix of Nordic folk with elements of improvisation and counterpoint techniques. This is an instrumental recording of exquisitely crafted, colorful and mesmerizing chamber folk music.
The ensemble, features guitar, Hardanger fiddle, and clarinet/bass clarinet, is renowned for its original sound. In 2022, Mojna was named “Instrumental Band of the Year” by Lira music magazine. Their debut album received nominations for “Release of the Year” at the Swedish Folk & World Music Gala 2023 and “Folk Music of the Year” at the Swedish Manifest Gala 2023. Following numerous performances in Norway and Sweden, the trio has developed a clearer musical expression in their exquisite new album Väntenätter (Nights of Waiting).
Composer and guitarist Thomas Eriksson describes the new album as an evolution of their debut, characterized by contrapuntal voicings that create a unique musical flow.
With three years of collaboration and extensive concert experience, Mojna’s members have deepened their musical and personal connections. This rapport allowed for more spontaneous changes during the recording process, enhancing the arrangements’ openness.
For Väntenätter, the trio collaborated with renowned folk musician Erlend Apneseth as the producer, whose ideas and input on the improvisational elements, as well as his adjustments to the arrangements, were significant.
Väntenätter will be released on June 14, 2024. Consequently, Mojna will promote the album at several summer festivals, including Førdefestivalen in Norway, Into the Woods in Sweden, and Musikk over Præstø Fjord in Denmark.
Thomas Eriksson (Guitar/Composer)
Thomas Eriksson is a freelance musician and composer based in Oslo. He has served as a theater musician in 13 productions at Västanå Theatre since 2016 and contributed as a composer/musician in bands such as MOJNA, Thomas & Guro, and GKN5. In spring 2022, Eriksson composed music for the theater performances “Kven var Odin” and “Skarvespelet.” In 2023, he is composing for the dance performance “Taus.” He holds a bachelor’s degree from the Academy of Music and Drama in Gothenburg.
Helga Myhr (Hardanger Fiddle/Vocals)
Helga Myhr debuted as a solo artist with the album Natten veller seg ut (Motvind Records, 2019), featuring exploratory and free interpretations of folk music from Hallingdal. The album earned a Spellemann prize nomination. Myhr is involved in various projects and is a permanent member of groups such as Kvedarkvintetten, Morgonrode, an improvisational duo with Tanja Orning, and Dei kenslevare. In 2020, she composed the commissioned work “Andsyning” for Osafestivalen. Andsyning was released by Heilo in 2022 and was nominated for the Folkelarm Award.
Anna Malmström (Clarinet/Bass Clarinet)
Anna Malmström is a folk musician rooted in the urban folk and world music scene in Sweden. Her repertoire includes Nordic folk music, Eastern European melodies, jazzy solos, and poetic taksim improvisations inspired by Ottoman music culture. Known for her curiosity and rich sound, Malmström continually finds new ways to express herself. Since 2014, she has toured with bands such as Sallyswag, GKN5, Världens Band, Ale Möller’s Xenomania, and the Erik Dahl Ensemble. She also collaborates on stage art productions for children with Zenta Scenkonst and has participated in theater productions at Estrad Norr and Gothenburg City Theatre.
Author: Sonia Keller
