We have finally succeeded in tempting Rebecka Törnqvist to visit Stavanger. In the nineties, she was widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of the Swedish pop export nation. Rebecka successfully distinguished herself from the masses with a far more sophisticated and genuine sound, which also cemented her appeal amongst jazz enthusiasts.
In 2023 she celebrated 30 years since the release of her first album, entitled “A night like this”. More releases, including “Good Things” and numerous awards followed in the years to come. Then suddenly people began to talk in Sweden about “the popstar that disappeared”. “It is correct to say that I am not a popstar. But I certainly haven’t disappeared, neither as a human being nor as a musician”, Rebecka Törnqvist has commented.
So, what is Rebecka Törnqvist’s music like today? Still pop, and still true to the roots of her favourite artists as a teenager, such as Kurt Weill and Randy Newman. However, she has been influenced along the way in multiple directions. Her most recent album, entitled “Memo”, combines jazz, soul, folk, and classical music. The response from her critics has been overwhelming. In the Swedish “Dagens Industri”, Jan Gradvall hails her album as a contrast to Tom Waits’ “Rain Dogs”, whilst “Dagens Nyheter” awarded her a perfect 5 out of 5 in its review.
In recent years she has worked closely with the highly acclaimed guitarist, composer and arranger, Johan Lindström. They have collaborated on everything from large-scale formats, featuring a full symphony orchestra, to pure and simple duo formats.
When they take to the stage together as a duo in Stavanger, they will do so as two of Sweden’s most influential musicians, joining forces to create a spellbinding and highly creative evening.