Swirling Flame

Australia's only electric viola da gambist, Jenny Eriksson, returns with Swirling Flame, the third album from her genre-defying ensemble Elysian Fields, out in 2025 on Earshift Music. A project born from recovery and renewal, Swirling Flame is a bold fusion of jazz, baroque, contemporary classical and folk influences - anchored by the haunting resonance of the rarely-heard electric viola da gamba.

Formed by Eriksson in 2015 with the support of Matt Keegan and Matt McMahon, Elysian Fields exists at the crossroads of multiple musical worlds. Their distinctive sound has made them welcome guests across jazz, classical and folk festivals alike, and their past albums Fika and What Should I Say have drawn praise from critics in Australia and abroad. With Swirling Flame, the band deepens its sonic identity while continuing to break new ground for the electric gamba.

"I was recovering from surgery on my arm when the idea for this album took hold," says Eriksson. "I wanted to create a recording that embraced both of my musical loves: 21st-century improvised music and the baroque tradition. That's always been the essence of Elysian Fields - bridging old and new, acoustic and electric, past and future."

Recorded during a period of uncertainty, Swirling Flame captures the spirit of risk and resilience that defines Elysian Fields. From duo to quintet settings, the album highlights the ensemble's deep interplay and shared artistic vision. At its core, the electric viola da gamba - an instrument with roots in the 16th century - sings anew, refracted through jazz harmony, folk melody, and chamber nuance.

Featuring: Susie Bishop - vocals & violin, Matt Keegan - tenor saxophone & alto clarinet, Jenny Eriksson - electric viola da gamba, Matt McMahon - piano, Jacques Emery - double bass, Brett Hirst - double bass, Siebe Pogson - bass guitar

1: The Acceptance
2: Postlude
3: The Slow Tides
4: Tetris
5: Queen's Decree
6: A Royal Quandary
7: The Spanish Prince
8: Death and Taxes
9: Love and Consequence
10: Dark Dreaming
11: Von-hope
12: Prelude
13: Menuet
14: Gigue
15: Interlude
16: Sarabande/Double
17: Le Tourbillon
18: Shadow
19: November

Number of Discs: 1

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