LOREDANA by Emilia Mårtensson

London based, Swedish vocalist Emilia Martensson shares her fourth LP 'Loredana', a beautifully introspective journey through the adversity and wilderness of the term 'Mother'.

Celebrating the infinite interpretations around the ‘mother – child relationship’, the project was initially inspired by four specific questions Emilia asked her audience:
Describe your mother with one word.
What is the main thing you feel your mother has taught you/best advice she has given you?
Is there anything you feel you regret in terms of your relationship to your mother?
Do you have a specific memory of you and your mother or a story about your mother you would like to share?
These acute observations into the complexities of one of the most significant relationships of our lives has produced an explosive body of work infused with Scandinavian folk, jazz and art pop. From the swathes of dreamy strings and pockets of brass instrumentation on opening number 'Arm Ourselves (Against Ourselves)' to the delicate electronics of 'Weariest River', each track is enriched with Emilia's exquisite vocal talent and thoughtful lyricism.
The album's title track 'Loredana' is a tribute to Emilia's mother, inspired by the book 'Women Who Run With The Wolves' by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. "Clarissa describes the female psyche though ancient stories and this book had a huge impact on me" Emilia explains. "I also read this book at the start of the #MeToo movement which is also weaved in to the story of the song as much as it is a tribute to my strong and fiery mother."

Following the release of three critically acclaimed albums, Emilia was awarded 'Vocalist of the Year' at The Parliamentary Jazz Awards in 2016 and granted the 'Women Make Music' funding scheme by PRS For Music. Her gentle yet expressive voice and highly personal compositions are firmly rooted within the folklore and countryside of her native southern Sweden, adding to the mystique and allure of a distinctive and truly original artist.

Praised by The Observer as "the new face of British jazz", Emilia has performed at some of Europe's most prestigious venues and festivals, including The London Jazz Festival, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Bimhuis in Amsterdam, Sunset Sunside in Paris and The Love Supreme Jazz Festival. Alongside these accolades, the talented artist has also garnered support from Jazzwise, Jazz UK, Time Out and The Daily Telegraph for her beautifully intricate works.

'Loredana' is a diverse album full of standout lyricism, distinctive instrumentals and compelling storytelling, further demonstrating Emilia's penchant for creating memorable music.

Babel Label was founded in 1994 by Oliver Weindling. It primarily records and releases jazz albums from UK artists.

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