The soundtrack from the TV show and DVD "The Misadventures of Andi Almqvist" One full show live + three bonustracks.

The soundtrack from the TV show and DVD "The Misadventures of Andi Almqvist" One full show live + three bonustracks.

Andi Almqvist is a restless soul. Something that also colors his music.

With his new record he has found his way home. But then we must remember that home for Andi doesn't mean secure and well-known surroundings. His home ground is the beer-cellars in Brno, the gypsy blocks of Krumlov, the all-night low dives along the autobahn in Germany, the bars and koffieshops in Amsterdam.

»Glimmer« reflects all this. Andi's earlier experiences of the American soil are still part of his baggage, but his European identity is stronger than ever, both in the lyrics and the music.

»Glimmer« is produced by Andi Almqvist and Carl Granberg. Together they have created a remarkable soundscape, that awakes the listener's curiosity and explorer's delight. The music defies without being pushy or uncomfortable.

»Glimmer« was recorded early in 2009 at House On The Hill, Stora Uppåkra, with brilliant musicians like:

Bebe Risenfors - Bebe has previously played with Elvis Costello and Tom Waits among others. He brought a whole truck-load of instruments. Upright bass, tuba, saxophone, accordion, harmonica, mellotron, omnichord, glockenspiel and much more.

Andi Almqvist is a restless soul. Something that also colors his music.

With his new record he has found his way home. But then we must remember that home for Andi doesn't mean secure and well-known surroundings. His home ground is the beer-cellars in Brno, the gypsy blocks of Krumlov, the all-night low dives along the autobahn in Germany, the bars and koffieshops in Amsterdam.

»Glimmer« reflects all this. Andi's earlier experiences of the American soil are still part of his baggage, but his European identity is stronger than ever, both in the lyrics and the music.

»Glimmer« is produced by Andi Almqvist and Carl Granberg. Together they have created a remarkable soundscape, that awakes the listener's curiosity and explorer's delight. The music defies without being pushy or uncomfortable.

»Glimmer« was recorded early in 2009 at House On The Hill, Stora Uppåkra, with brilliant musicians like:

Bebe Risenfors - Bebe has previously played with Elvis Costello and Tom Waits among others. He brought a whole truck-load of instruments. Upright bass, tuba, saxophone, accordion, harmonica, mellotron, omnichord, glockenspiel and much more.

I was born in Vienna on July 2. My father a Swedish mathematician, my mother an Austrian cello player. Due to dad’s line of work we moved around a lot during my childhood. America, the Soviet union and several eastern- and western European countries. This, of course, has influenced my music.

At an early age I started to fool around with different kinds of instruments. Piano, accordion, pump organ, guitar. Found out I had a special talent for singing and fronted several rock- and punk bands during my youth.

Inspired by the raw energy of Pixies, Nirvana and 16 Horsepower, the poetry of Nick Cave, Tom Waits and Bob Dylan, and the angst of Depeche Mode and Skip James, my own musical identity started taking form.

In 2005 my first solo album “Can’t Stop Laughing” was released. It was recorded live in the studio in just three days. Vocals, two guitars and drums. Down to the core.

When I started to write the songs for “Red Room Stories”, I realized I needed a totally different approach. A bigger, heavier and more cinematic sound. It all fell into place when I met gypsy violin player, Sara Jefta, in the beginning of 2007. She intuitively understood my music, playing strange ghost notes as well as writing beautiful arrangements for string quartet. The album was produced song by song, giving each tune its own character. Guest musicians from “Moonbabies” and “Sobsister” appear on the album.

“Red Room Stories” is a musical chowder. If you listen hard you can hear all my influences in there. I also poured all my heart in to it. Enjoy!

- Andi Almqvist, October 4, 2007

“Red Room Stories” is a musical chowder. If you listen hard you can hear all my influences in there. I also poured all my heart in to it. Enjoy!

- Andi Almqvist, October 4, 2007

Swedish singer Andi Almqvist started writing songs in the spring of 2003, after seven years of musical idleness. He formed Andi Almqvist & The Employees, with guitar player Jon Eriksson and drummer Conny Städe, a couple of months later.

Already at the first rehearsal they knew they were on to something unique. The sound was so rough and basic it reminded them of old delta-blues musicians such as Skip James, Leadbelly and Son House. Other more contemporary influences that came to mind were Morphine, Tom Waits and 16 Horsepower.

A demo was recorded which led to a number of prestigious shows. In the spring of 2004 Andi Almqvist & The Employees opened up for B B King, in front of an audience of four-thousand people.

In September the same year they started to record their debut-album, but fate would interrupt them. Guitar player Jon Eriksson, a carpenter by trade, bashed a hammer on a steel plate and damaged his ears. The band was forced to lay down their instruments for eight months. Doctor’s orders.

In May 2005 Andi Almqvist & The Employees started playing again and one of their first shows was at a small beer-joint in Malmö. Record-company boss Håkan Olsson walked by on the street and heard the music through the wall. He decided to go inside and listen. Three days later a contract was signed.

Debut-album “Can’t Stop Laughing” was recorded live at Varispeed Studios, Klågerup, in just three days. The band was inspired, scorching hot and smokin’!

Debut-album “Can’t Stop Laughing” was recorded live at Varispeed Studios, Klågerup, in just three days. The band was inspired, scorching hot and smokin’!