Ta’ mig med ( Kim Larsen songs for classical guitar)

Kim Larsen (1945-2018) – the much loved Danish rock musician and multi-artist - captures – in music and words – the Danish soul. With his 500 recorded songs and 40 albums he is known by all Danes of all ages.

Guitarist, and head of guitar department at The Royal Academy of Music in Copenhagen, Jesper Sivebæk, had 2 heroes in his youth: Andrés Segovia and Kim Larsen – and they have followed him ever since.

For more than 10 years Jesper Sivebæk has worked on the pieces on this album. With his great experience he uses the possibilities of the guitar to the utmost, and follows the classical tradition of making instrumental versions of folk songs – like in Miguel Llobet’s arrangements of Catalan folksongs, in Benjamin Britten’s English and Chinese folksongs arrangements, and in Bela Bartok’s Hungarian folk songs.

Sivebæk is true both to the beauty and the simplicity of Kim Larsens songs, and to his instrument
– the classical Spanish guitar. In these arrangements classical guitar players around the globe now have 12 new pieces to discover and put on their concert programs.

Reviews

★★★★★☆

“One of the best guitar recordings to have ever come my way, the entire disc is captivating”
— Colin Clarke, Fanfare Music Magazine (US), June 12, 2021

★★★★★☆

“A lovingly performed homage to Larsen’s melodious charm. His tone is everywhere beguiling, captured with a sense of real presence by the excellent recording. While it will inspire happy memories in those who relish the lyrics, in the end this is a lovingly performed homage to the melodious charm of Larsen’s songs, one that speaks movingly without words". 
— Robert Schulslaper, Fanfare Music Magazine (US), June 30, 2021

★★★★★☆

“Lovely classical guitar arrangements of songs by Danish rock/pop icon Kim Larsen. I found this recital enchanting from start to close. Granted this is a genre that has been an integral part of my musical life, but I believe this is a disc that will give a diverse range of music lovers much pleasure. Highly recommended”.
— Ken Meltzer, Fanfare Music Magazine (US), May 9, 2021

★★★★★☆

“Funen wizard interprets Kim Larsen: Enchanting string play is a worthy tribute to Larsen's unique melodies. For more than a decade, the classical guitarist Jesper Sivebæk has worked on his own classical guitar interpretations of Kim Larsen's songs. It has resulted in the absolutely terrific album "Ta 'mig med", (Take me along) which exactly the music is doing. 

One instrument should have a hard time matching a band of four to five people who both play and sing. But on "Ta 'mig med" the melodies never get flat, because Jesper Sivebæk's playing is so varied. He masters the most gentle and delicate as well as the fast-paced and more powerful expression

Jesper Sivebæk is an absolute world-class guitarist, so perhaps the songs in his knowledgeable hands and fingers can go even further out into the world than the originals”
— Simon Staun, Fyens Stiftstidende, July 23, 2021

★★★★★★

“The greatest things in life are made out of love! This album has Jesper Sivebæk made out of love for Kim Larsen's music and the classical guitar sound universe. Here, well-known and lesser-known songs from Kim Larsen's hand are presented in instrumental versions. Hits from the top shelf such as: “Lady oh Lady”, "Joanna" and "Lots of success". Mixed with lesser known ones like: “Here is a song ”and“ Heaven ”.

Can you do that? The answer is yes! Jesper Sivebæk has gently transformed Kim Larsens trong melodies for solid guitar pieces. Although the melodies and mood of the songs are always at the center, Jesper Sivebæk give room for his own creativity and virtuosity. He borrows diligently from the classical guitar composers and finger-style guitarists, however ends up with an expression that is entirely his own. The fervor and intimacyJesper Sivebæk delivers with his guitar contributes to giving Kim Larsen songs new facets.

Pop and classic in perfect balance. A great experience awaits both Fans by Kim Larsen and the guitar enthusiasts. This CD gets my warmest recommendation and six out of six sixpence hats. I'm already hoping for a sequel”. 
— Claus Rosenqvist, Danish Guitar Society, August 8, 2021

Past projects