Katia Cardenal - Fragancia (Taube på spansk)

On Fragancia – Evert Taube in Spanish, we get to hear Evert Taube’s familiar ballads in new, melodic interpretations that trigger our curiosity.

A little less than one hundred years ago Swedish singer and troubadour Evert Taube (1890 – 1976) became fascinated by Latin America. And now Latin American Katia Cardenal has become fascinated by Evert Taube’s songs, and she has made Spanish interpretations of them. Recordings were made in Cuba. Naturally.

Katia Cardenal keeps all the typical Taube elements intact: the joy of life, nature and love, and the warm humour that is part of so many Taube ballads. The Latin American sound suits Taube’s songs so well, on reflection this is perhaps not so surprising.

Evert Taube became fascinated with Latin America at an early age. He possessed many typical Latin American qualities himself: generous, casual and enjoying life to the full. It was in Latin America that Taube learned to speak Spanish, Italian and French. It was there that he became inspired by the tango. And it was there that he learned to play the guitar. (For a period he was even an Argentinian citizen). Maybe this is why the Latin American interpretations sound so right – as if the tunes were made with that rhythm and sensuality originally.

Fragancia – Taube in Spanish becomes even more genuine with the participation of two Cuban bands, giving associations to Buena Vista Social Club and Cuban music from the 50’s.

Katia Cardenal performs Taube with deep respect and admiration: “I borrow the songs to realise an idea”, she explains and describes her understanding of Taube’s relations with Latin America like this: “Like a singing temptress the dark Latin America seduced Evert Taube with her rhythm and colour. He was caught in her arms and all he could do was to capitulate without resistance and offer his songs at her feet. For my own part, I fell in love with the soft fall of autumn leaves and the white and peaceful winter nights by the North Sea shores. This has inspired me in many of my dreams.”

Produced by Erik Hillestad