May 2009 – New Album From The Benny Andersson Band
Polydor Records is proud to present ‘Story of A Heart’, an album which returns to the musical roots of ABBA legend Benny Andersson. ’Story Of A Heart’ will be released on July 6th.
The history of the world’s greatest pop band has hardly takena pause in the past 35 years, from the 380 million albums sold to the record-breaking musical and blockbuster film which is Mamma Mia!
But behind the scenes there’s another musical side to Benny Andersson. For the past 20 years he has been leading The Benny Andersson Band, a group of 16 exceptional musicians and singers who share his passion for the Swedish folk tradition, not to mention Big Band, Bach, polka, waltzes, Celtic folk, Fifties standards – and straight-ahead pop music.
The latter is showcased on the title track, the first new pop composition written by Benny with his ABBA song writing partner Björn Ulvaeus in 15 years. Vocal duties on this, and three of the four other tracks translated into English for the first time, are taken by the Swedish star Helen Sjöholm. Two of the tracks feature another Swedish vocal star, Tommy Körberg, who played the role of Anatoly in Chess in London for nearly three years. All the lyrics on the album are written by Björn.
The 14-track album captures highlights from the three albums released in Sweden by The Benny Andersson Band – or Benny Anderssons Orkester as they are known there – along with some brand new tracks. “I wanted to make music based on the Swedish folk tradition, but with new songs written by me,” says Benny Andersson, who also plays accordion on the record – something he has done since he was a six-year-old boy playing with his father and grandfather in Stockholm.
The Benny Andersson Band are a huge live draw in Sweden, touring the country each Summer with their own stage and dance floor. The band provide the music, the crowds supply the vigorous dancing and the bonhomie of a Scottish ceilidh. On July 4th The Benny Andersson Band play their first English gig on Hampstead Heath as part of Sweden On Stage festival celebrating the start of Sweden’s EU Presidency.
