Sticks & Stones – Sticks & Stones (SACD hibrid)

The members of Sticks & Stones met at university between 2004 and 2005. They all came from northern Sweden and shared a keen interest in acoustic music. During their studies, they played together in various bands and constellations. After completing their studies and moving independently to the metropolis of Stockholm to pursue their individual careers, it took several years for their paths to cross again: Rebecka Sjöberg and Jonas Lindberg met quite by chance in Stockholm’s old town, where their dreams and visions were rekindled with even greater enthusiasm. The music that had captured their souls was bluegrass. Their three friends from their student days – Emma Salmonsson, Alexander Bergström and Erik Berggren – quickly joined them. After just a few sessions, a new bluegrass band was born… Sticks & Stones.

In no time at all, they were performing in the region, and their musical excellence quickly caught the attention of label boss Jan-Eric Persson. All 12 tracks on the self-titled debut album were penned by the five band members – and these songs have it all! Tracks like “No One But Myself To Blame” and “You Don’t Have To” have undeniable hit potential. Just a few days after its release, the album and the voice of lead singer Rebecka Sjöberg caused a sensation in the USA. Winfried Dulisch in Hifi & Records 3/2011: “Jan-Eric Persson now even has a showcase CD for bluegrass lovers and fans of acoustic country music in his catalog.”

The outstanding Hybrid SACD from Opus 3 Records contains a booklet with detailed information about the recording technology and microphones used.

MUSICIANS:

Rebecka Sjöberg: lead vocals 
Emma Salomonsson: guitar, vocals
Alexander Bergström: guitar, dobro, mandolin, saw, vocals
Jonas Lindberg: bass, mandolin, vocals
Erik Berggren: guitar, mandolin, banjo, vocals
Jim Van Cleve: fiddle

Opus 3 is an independent Swedish music label dedicated to recording timeless acoustic music such as jazz, blues, folk and classical. Founded in late 1976 by sound engineer Jan-Eric Persson, the label has made it its mission to reproduce voices and instruments as naturally as possible. To achieve this, Opus 3 selects recording environments with good natural. The label’s recording techniques were developed specifically for acoustic music and were originally based on the use of tube gear and “Blumlein” miking. In 2001, Opus 3 switched to digital eight-track technology and later to 16 channels – in the brand-new mixing and mastering studio designed and set up by Sweden’s leading acoustic engineer Lennart Nilsson to mark the label’s 30th anniversary. Apart from a few digital intermediate steps all processing is still done exclusively analog.

We recommend the use of „L’Art du Son” CD/DVD conditioner for even more sonic improvement.

Lista pieselor

1. Sticks & Stones

2. The Lillies Of The Valley

3. Guide Me

4. No One But Myself To Blame

5. Eldsmark

6. Far Away

7. You Don’t Have To

8. We Burned The Houses To The Ground

9. Al Mansoury

10. Silence

11. People

12. Waiting