One year ago I did the cover photos for Manuela Lærke's second album, ManuLand (see the photo session here), so I'm familiar with her two albums, but I had never experienced her live at stage. So I looked foreward to seeing her perform at Jazzhouse.
The light was too weak to make proper photos, so I had to use the flash at least to get some pictures.
But the room was fully enlighened by the strong and spiritual aura of charismatic stage personality, Manuela Lærke! She gave us a mix of songs from her two albums, one cover version (Killing Me Softly), and a guest apperence by her close friend and spiritual sister Susi Hyldgaard. Swan Lee keyboard-player Jonas Berg proved, much to my surprise, to be an excellent jazz pianoplayer.

Though that I'm not into neither jazz nor gospel, Manuela's fusion of the music styles is very sussecfull. Like Norah Jones and Malene Mortensen (see photos here), she manages to open a door to the universe of jazz and gospel to me. The choir deserves a remark for their excellent vocals.
Manuela conducted the musicians with love and power, and gave some very personal comments in between the songs. I liked the way that she variated the level of her voice, making a moving and passionate impression.

At the bottom of this page you can see some backstage portraits of Manuela and Susi Hyldgaard.

(Thanks to Manuels for the set list)

Photographs by Eric Klitgaard © 2005

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