Unmistakably Nordic in flavor, Sofia Talvik somehow still conforms to American interpretations of her own original music, a North Sea siren blending sparkle and melancholy, creating a special niche of folk music.
December 13th is the celebration of Saint Lucia in Sweden. We usually celebrate by having a “Lussetåg” a Lucia parade, but instead me and Sweden’s sweetest jazz singer Anna Christoffersson are going to teach you how to bake Swedish Lucia Saffron Bread. We’re also going to sing you a Christmas song!
Still haven’t figured out what to get your lovers for Christmas and missed out on my special Christmas offer a few days ago? Don’t fret! Anna have some excellent albums that will make great Christmas gifts to anyone with good taste in music! Go here to get Anna’s albums: American iTunes Swedish iTunes
It was so hard to decide the winners of the Christmas poem contest as there were so many great contributions. However, the contest was for a poem to put on your Christmas gift and there were two poems who stood out in the crowd and earned a 1st and 2nd place in the contest. A huge thank you to all participants! You can check out the challenge here!
The winner is *drumroll* Jackie LeBlanc who wrote a poem for a pair of fuzzy toe socks she’s giving for a friend (oops! I hope I didn’t ruin the surprise!) Jackie will receive a secret Christmas gift from Sofi.. I mean Santa. Here’s Jackies winning poem:
Each day, each week, each month, each season… We’ve become friends and that’s the reason – Thru weather of rain, snow or heat.. Having you as a friend just can’t be beat! I care if you’re freezin’ -with ice on your nose – So I give you this gift, For your ten little toes!
On an honorable second place is Juliana Palmcook with her ingenious poem about a Christmas gift everyone can give no matter if you’re rich or poor… guess what! Juliana will get a special Christmas greeting in the mail!
My gift cannot be bought, It doesn’t have a price tag; yet it is priceless, It will keep you warm on a cold winter day, It helps chase the blues away, Although once in awhile you see it at the stores being exchanged, My gift is free but with arms attached, If you don’t need it now you can get a rain-check, There is a rebate but not like you think, It is yours forever to remember, I don’t know who could ask for more,because it is really big, My gift is wrapped with arms, Can you guess my gift? Hint, it is a 3 letter word… I hope that rings a jingle bell.
Are you still pondering over what to give your friends for Christmas? Well why not give them a package of my three latest albums! For two days only you will be able to get a special Christmas discount when you buy my three latest CDs and get all three of them for only $15! That’s only $5 per CD, or three CDs for the price of one!
I’m nearly falling off my chair here it’s so cheap! And to make it extra special I will sign them for you too. What are you waiting for, the offer only lasts two days!
On my US tour I’ve had the privilige to play with some really talanted people. One of them is Michelle Lewis, a singer/songwriter based in Boston, MA and today’s window is a special greeting from Michelle to all of you. This is a video of Michelle singing “In The Bleak Midwinter”. Michelle’s albums, the perfect gift to anyone who already has everything, are available at http://michellelewismusic.com/wordpress/store/. If you want to enjoy Michelle’s beautiful music in your home, she’s also taking requests for house concerts for 2013. You can contact her through her website http://michellelewismusic.com/.
A few days ago I released my yearly Christmas single. It’s called “One Last Wish For Christmas” and it’s recorded partly in the US and partly in Sweden (thank you internet). The single has been very well received and here’s a selection of quotes from some writers around the globe:
[quote] “One Last Wish For Christmas” has the feel of a simple and intimate Indie Folk song while simultaneously being rich, full, and immediately pop accessible. It’s sort of Hank Williams meets the Pogues “Fairytale Of New York”, but much prettier. (…) It’s just wonderful! [/quote]
[quote]One Last Wish for Christmas” is “a story about love, loss, and afterthought at Christmas.” It is heartbreakingly beautiful, and like many of her songs, it stays with me long after I’ve finished listening to it.”[/quote]
[quote] During the years I’ve fallen in love with her beautiful alternative folk songs. Especially with the sad ballad Snowy White River (2009). This year I’m pleasantly surprised to learn that Sofia has returned to her roots.” [/quote]
