"Lovely tone, relaxed breathing, great intonation, wonderful arrangement, nice voicings, musical rubato, ethereal yet personal." -Art Lapierre "Svenska psalmer - Swedish Hymns" is a fresh and organic crossover album; the Christian message meets new harmonies and jazz improvisation, not to forget influences from the Swedish choir tradition. Johanna Grüssner interprets the lyrics with her well-known articulation and jazz feel. Four of the hymns have been arranged for a cappella voice where Grüssner sings all voices. On the remaining nine hymns, she is accompanied by a trio led by pianist Mika Pohjola, who is also credited as the arranger of the album, with bassist Fernando Huergo and drummer Roberto Dani. As a whole this is an album of style and creativity, where the lyrics and message are given the attention they deserve. In spite of the vocal characteristics of the album, it is the arrangements which make these hymns exciting and creative. ...