Agnes Obel. Photo by Frank Eidel.
HOUSTON, Texas, June 4, 2011 – A regally pretty Copenhagen native who resides in Berlin is effectively taking over the folk music world. In the experienced hands of Girlie Action management (whose roster also includes the likes of Tori Amos, Jenny O., Amanda Palmer, and Santigold) Agnes Obel’s haunting debut album, Philharmonics, has sold over 1,000,000 in France, twice that many in Denmark, and sold out concert venues across Europe. Now she’s spreading her wings in the U.S.A.
Agnes produced Philharmonics using notably few instruments, focusing on piano and harp driven pieces that might best be described as eclectic folk lullabies. These sparse arrangements enhance, rather than diminish, the album’s mesmerizing quality as it lilts between feelings of haunting mystery and wistful joy.
Admirers of the music of Natalie Merchant, Joni Mitchell, Cara Dillon, Eric Satie, Frédéric Chopin, and Lydia McCauley will treasure Agnes’ soft songbird voice, delicate waltz-like piano accompaniments, and artistically redolent songwriting style.
While all the tracks on Philharmonics are stunning, particular ear-catchers include The Riverside, Just So, and Brother Sparrow. Instrumental tracks on Philharmonics include Wallflower, which is reminiscent of the works of Claude Debussy, showcasing Agnes’ brilliant piano constructions.
In addition to Philharmonics, on May 31, Agnes released iTunes Live From Paris, a six track EP exclusively available for download through iTunes. Recorded live at the iTunes Opera Store in Paris, France for a captivated audience, iTunes Live From Paris features several tracks from Philharmonics, in addition to a haunting reinterpretation of Elliott Smith’s song, Between The Bars.
With a double platinum album and an evocative EP comfortably under her belt, Agnes tees off her first North American tour this month, hopping coast to coast from Santa Monica, California to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where it is anticipated she will receive an enthusiastic welcome.
Listen to Between The Bars:
Agnes Obel - Between The Bars (Elliott Smith cover) iTunes Live From Paris EP by Girlie Action
Watch Agnes Obel’s Just So Music Video:
Agnes Obel Tour Dates:
6/3: KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic radio show
6/4: SANTA MONICA, CA, McCabe’s
6/6: HOLLYWOOD, CA, Hotel Cafe
6/7: SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Rickshaw
6/9: PORTLAND, OR, Alberta Rose Theatre
6/10: SEATTLE, WA, Freemont Abbey Center
6/13: WASHINGTON, DC, Sixth & I
6/14: NEW YORK, NY, Joe’s Pub
6/15: PHILADELPHIA, PA, Tin Angel
iTunes Live From Paris EP track listing:
1.Over The Hill
2. Riverside
3. Katie Cruel
4. Just So
5. Between The Bars (Elliott Smith Cover)
6. Philharmonics
About Jennifer Grassman:
Singer, songwriter and pianist, Jennifer Grassman is an award-winning recording artist based in Houston, Texas. Subscribe by RSS feed and read more from Jennifer at www.JenniferGrassman.com. You can follow Jennifer on @JGrassman or Facebook.com/JenniferGrassmanMusic.
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