Orsa Spelmän

Few folk groups can claim a link to a former ABBA member, yet the sextet from Orsa in Sweden has built its identity on its own terms. Rooted in Swedish folk music, the six-piece has kept a distinctly traditional core across its recordings. Their work with Benny Andersson is one thread in that story, not the whole of it.

The partnership began in 1987 with the recording of Klinga mina klockor, and in 2001 the group became part of Benny Anderssons orkester (BAO), appearing on several records with that ensemble since. Their own catalogue stands at four albums: Orsa Spelmän (1988), Fiolin Min (1990), Ödra (1998) and Orsa nästa (2006). In 2006, member Kalle Moraeus received the Povel Ramels Karamelodiktstipendium, the same year Orsa nästa appeared. The album titles, all in Swedish, underline the regional roots at the heart of their music.