Welcome to the website of Swedish drummer/composer/etc Johan Björklund. With ongoing extensive work as a musician/bandleader and a driving force for several different bands/projects since 1999 (Mess, Johan Björklund Dynamic Flavours, Thymeshift, Thymeshift United, Parallel Activity, Yoleeyo, MIRE III, Monochromatics a.o) Johan is regarded as a strong and sought after profile on the Nordic jazz/impro/rock/whatever music scene.
Recorded in September 2021 during releasetour for ”8 Millimeter” (Toppkonst).
”Cairo” (C. Svensson) Erik Ivarsson – guitar Johan Björklund -drums Alfred Lorinius – bass Carl Svensson – guitar Filmed and recorded in Studio Glasfågeln, Sweden by Gustav Davidsson. Please enjoy!*
THYMESHIFT – LAYERS OF IN BETWEEEN Red Round Records – Release date 6 September 2024
Since the start in 2010, Swedish musicians Johan Björklund (drums), Thomas Gunillasson (guitar) and Thomas Backman (saxophone) have been forming an expression of their own. As a trio, but also together with Icelandic guitarist Hilmar Jensson och Danish sound artist Katrine Amsler the group has created some powerful, responsive music, always with an adventurous feel. With Jensson, the group released “Beyond Horizons” in 2015 and in 2021 “Dark Lights” was released with Amsler in the band.
Now, with keyboardist John Lönnmyr, the group steps into an electro-analog, beat based future with reminiscences of the past. ”Layers of in Between” features fourteen tracks with strong ties to heavy, riff-based rock, drawing inspiration from early 70’s bands like Deep Purple and Black Sabbath. This raw style creates elaborate contrasts when combined with the band’s more melodic, lyrical, and electronically tinged material. Thymeshift leaves a mark with their massive heaviness, often intense and sometimes stripped-down improvisations, as well as intricate soundscapes. ”Layers of in Between” is a modern, powerful production with clear historical retrospectives.
Born into the rich tapestry of an Indo-Dutch-Creole heritage, Armand van Wijck is a globally inspired musician who weaves his multicultural experiences into captivating melodies. His music embraces a harmonious blend of modern jazz, impressionism and various folk influences, furthermore inspired by Nordic jazz icons. Armand’s work embodies unity through shared experiences, inspiring harmony amidst diversity.
Originally from the Netherlands, Armand has made a mark with his chromatic harmonica performances in his home country. When he moved to Sweden his modern jazz project evolved to what it is today. He got influenced by the genuine playing and Nordic sound of the Swedish musicians of his quartet, as well as by his partner, Riksspelman and violinist Magdalena Eriksson. Trying to reconnect with his roots while away from his home culture, he also picked up the suling, a traditional Indonesian bamboo flute.
MUSICIANS
Armand van Wijck – harmonica, suling Björn Peterson – double bass Axel Liljedahl Nordström – piano Johan Björklund – drums Magdalena Eriksson – violin, vocals
