February 14, 2011

Thank You for everything, Alice Babs!

Tears of gratitude and sorrow as I just learned of our dear friend Alice Babs passing on to the Heavens, where she always belonged. Remembering so many musical and philosophical highlights performing, recording and conversing with her over the years.In her later years she often came to my concerts, always eager to improvise a little postlude and always receiving the audience standing ovations.Remembering our first meeting at Musik at Siljan 1991 when Nils Lindberg introduced us and we improvised an a cappella duet from two church boats with the music resounding over Lake Siljans perfectly still waters and perhaps a thousand people listening on the shores. She was so encouraging of us younger musicians and her inspired presence transformed many occasions. She always had such a big and generous heart.

Listen to our *Don't Be Blue* CD

with Nils Lindberg, Joakim Milder, Hans Åkesson, Krister Andersson, Peter Gullin, Jan Adefelt and Bengt Stark brings back so many joyful memories.At the age of 80, Alice Babs still had a great voice. At our concert in the Gothemburg Concert House 2004 she could improvise advanced duets with any musician of the band.I remember her exquisite artistry with Duke Ellingtons Sacred Concerts that got me hooked on music in my early years.Rest in PeaceTHANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING !Anders