DISCOGRAPHY
FREEDOM TREE - Moon Blue / Vana Va Kutani (2024)
Digital Single ⎸ MMYH007DI ⎸ ISDN: 01877629900 ⎸ Total playing time: 05:10
Spotify ⎸ TIDAL ⎸ Apple Music ⎸ Bandcamp ⎸ YouTube ⎸ Selected reviews
The single Moon Blue (Vana Va Kutani) marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for FREEDOM TREE. Recorded between Sweden and Mozambique, the track is vibrant, melodic, and irresistibly catchy, capturing FREEDOM TREE in peak form. Featuring the Mozambican vocal ensemble Together, the song unfolds with rich textures that may at moments recall the spirit of Paul Simon’s Graceland—yet it stands unmistakably on its own, radiating originality and joy. Since their formation in 2015, FREEDOM TREE has released three critically acclaimed albums and toured in more than 20 countries across Europe, Eurasia, Africa, and North America. After a period of silence, the group now returns—brimming with energy and inspiration. The release is accompanied by a striking music video, filmed in both Sweden and Mozambique by Peder Carlsson (Backyard Babies) and Damón Zurawski (Future Legends Film). With Moon Blue (Vana Va Kutani), FREEDOM TREE delivers not just a single, but a vivid artistic statement—celebrating connection, collaboration, and the life-affirming power of music. Steinar Aadnekvam - Guitar, Rubem Farias - Bass, Deodato Siquir - Drums, "Together" Vocal Ensemble - Choir/Vocals Released: April 25, 2024 AUDIO RELEASE (digital) VIDEO RELEASE (digital) [MMYH Records / Music Makes You Happy] ISRC: SE6WE2400001 UPC: 198391800085 Distribution: The Orchard Produced by Steinar Aadnekvam
FREEDOM TREE - Modern Acoustic World Jazz Rock (2021)
Audio CD ⎸ MMYH004CD ⎸ ISRC: SE6WE2100101-07 ⎸ Total playing time: 47:00
Spotify ⎸ TIDAL ⎸ Apple Music ⎸ Bandcamp ⎸ YouTube ⎸ Selected reviews
Recorded live in studio during the pandemic, Modern Acoustic World Jazz Rock captures FREEDOM TREE at their most dynamic and unified. Originally performed as a livestream for fans, the session revealed itself to be something greater: a recording of such clarity, energy, and depth that it demanded release as a full album. What emerges is the sound of a band that has lived and breathed music together on the road for years — their interplay honed through hundreds of concerts, their collective voice sharpened to a rare intensity. Each track feels alive, rooted in the group’s shared journey while radiating a timeless freshness. The album revisits key pieces from FREEDOM TREE’s repertoire, now presented in what is arguably their most compelling form to date. With every note, the trio demonstrates the precision, vitality, and fearless openness that has earned them a loyal international following. FREEDOM TREE brings together three acclaimed musicians and close friends: Norwegian acoustic guitarist Steinar Aadnekvam, Brazilian bassist Rubem Farias, and Mozambican drummer/singer Deodato Siquir. Since their formation in Stockholm in 2015, the group (formerly known as Freedom’s Trio) has released two previous albums on Losen Records in Oslo and toured extensively across 17 countries in Europe, Eurasia, Africa, and the United States, building a reputation for their electrifying blend of afro jazz rock with global influences. With Modern Acoustic World Jazz Rock, FREEDOM TREE opens a new chapter under their renewed name — a name that speaks to deep roots and boundless growth. This release, accompanied by simultaneous video drops of all live-in-studio performances, invites listeners and viewers alike into the heart of a band in full flight. Release date: September 24 Steinar Aadnekvam, Guitar & Vocals, Rubem Farias - Bass, Vocals / Deodato Siquir - Drums, Vocals Recorded at Helter Skelter Studio, Stockholm - Sweden. Recording engineer: Henrik Sunbring. Photo and video by Erik Hagman. Graphic design by Hans Nilsson. Produced by Steinar Aadnekvam
STEINAR AADNEKVAM / RUBEM FARIAS / DEODATO SIQUIR - Freedoms Trio II (2018)
Audio CD ⎸ LOS 195-2 ⎸ EAN: 7090025831959 ⎸ Total playing time:
Spotify ⎸ TIDAL ⎸ Apple Music ⎸ Bandcamp ⎸ YouTube ⎸ Selected reviews
(...) Their music is both complex and joyful, full of passion and energy. Not only do you hear amazing guitar playing from Steinar Aadnekvam, but equal musicianship from drummer Deodato Siquir and bassist Rubem Farias. Plus they have a natural synergy which can be rare, especially when the musicians are so accomplished individually. People should hear ‘Freedoms Trio’. Gives you hope. - Robben Ford, January 2018 released April 27, 2018 Steinar Aadnekvam acoustic guitar, vocals / Rubem Farias electric bass, double bass, vocals / Deodato Siquir drums, vocals Tracks 1, 2, 4, 8, 9 composed by Steinar Aadnekvam. Tracks 3, 6, 7 composed by Rubem Farias. Track 5 composed by Deodato Siquir. Recorded December 2017 by Alexander Härnlöv at Vall Recording Studio, Gotland, Sweden. Mixed and Mastered January 2018 by Kalle Persson at Gott Moose Production, Värmdö, Sweden. Executive: Odd Gjelsnes. Cover design by design holtmann, Oslo, Norway. This recording is partly supported by Fond for lyd og bilde. Front cover painting by Sylva Karin Johansen. Produced by Steinar Aadnekvam.
STEINAR AADNEKVAM / RUBEM FARIAS / DEODATO SIQUIR - Freedoms Trio (2016)
Audio CD ⎸ LOS 149-2 ⎸ EAN: 7090025831492 ⎸ Total playing time:
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Every now and then a trinity will come into place. And when it does it changes the gravity of it all just a little bit. Like a strike of lighting. A toss of good luck. A game changer. A life changer. Freedoms Trio came about like that. " FREEDOMS TRIO, three musicians from three continents: guitarist Steinar Aadnekvam from Norway, bassist Rubem Farias from Brazil and drummer, singer Deodato Siquir from Mozambique. An outstanding example of the unifying force of music! Three world artists on their respective instruments here form a unit that brings the audience on a musical journey characterised by explosive playfulness, sincere beauty and boundless rhythms. " "A superlative record" - World Music Report released April 24, 2016 Steinar Aadnekvam acoustic guitar, Rubem Farias electric bass & voice Deodato Siquir drums & vocals Release no: LOS 149-2 Ean: 7090025831492 Tracks 1, 2, 4, 5 composed by Steinar Aadnekvam. Tracks 3, 10 by Rubem Farias & Deodato Siquir. Track 6 by Romain Gabourg and Deodato Siquir. Track 7 by Steinar Aadnekvam and Rubem Farias. Tracks 8, 9 by Rubem Farias. Recorded at Studio Barxeta, Spain by Dani Castelar three days in November 2015 / Mixed at Studio Moose, Värmdö, Sweden by Kalle Persson. Mastered by Gott Moose Mastering. / Inside photos by Mariana Menezes Lindén & Odd Gjelsnes. Front cover painting by Sylva Karin Johansen Produced by Steinar Aadnekvam.
STEINAR AADNEKVAM - Freedom's Tree (2015)
Audio CD ⎸ LOS 137-2 ⎸ EAN: 7090025831379 ⎸ Total playing time:
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After many years on many roads I had to stop and plant my tree. I wanted to make a record with a musical and compositional content that represented all that I am. I wanted to let my dreams come true, all that I was hearing in my mind. Throughout the years there have been ideas, melodies, songs that have been my personal gems. So precious to me that I have always guarded them until the right moment might one day present itself. In this album are many of them. A ‘Cold Shower’ is what I really like to refresh the senses, and the tune was written specifically for this project. ‘Hillside’ is a composition that came to me when arriving for the first time at my home in Norsborg, a landscape that is characterized by its surrounding hills and Viking remains. ‘Viva Sagui' is something I wrote in Brazil while visiting a small nature reserve in Moreno (in the state of Pernambuco)-PE, when a group of little sagui monkeys appeared in the tree above me to listen to the captivating rhythmic melody. ‘You Are My Sunshine And My Smile’ was a special event for me. One morning I was sitting on the floor opposite my then 18 month old daughter Francisca. She was watching me playing my guitar and this song, both in the music and the lyrics, just revealed itself. ‘Agradecendo’ meaning ‘giving thanks’ in Portuguese, is a chorinho by the great composer Pixinguinha that I have adapted somewhat in a rather fiery manner. ‘Ecology’ is an alarm call about the state of our planet. Its 12/8 afro groove holds a ‘broken’ blues chorus and its lyrical passages remind us of what is beautiful, while its cutting rhythms and suggestive mood remind us of the urgency of our collective problem. ‘Come With Me’ is a lyrical ballad that belongs to a glittering cold winter’s night, while its whistled chorus is a melody that actually dates back to a composition from my early teens. We end on a happy note in ‘Dare To Dream’, about a love affair - or rather - how we try and god willing, never stop trying. Lastly, I owe my heart’s joy to the fantastic musicians and their outstanding performances on this album. Thank you! - Steinar Aadnekvam, February 2015 Released April 24, 2015 Steinar Aadnekvam acoustic guitar, voice, whistling (track 7), Jonatan Guzman piano, Patric Thorman bass, Deodato Siquir drums, percussion, voice (track 1), Peter Fredman, flute, (track 4) alto saxophone (track 6), Gustav Orphée Noah lead vocals, (track 3, 4 & 8) whistling (track 3), Santiago Jimenez Borges violin (track 5), Mattias Ståhl vibraphone (track 8), Cecilia Linné cello (track 7) All compositions by Steinar Aadnekvam except “Agradecendo” by Pixinguinha Release no: LOS 137-2 EAN: 7090025831379 Recorded at Atlantis Grammofon, Stockholm by Janne Hansson December 5 & 6, 2013. Additional recording at Studio Moose, Värmdö, February and August 2013. Mixed and mastered by Kalle Persson, January 2015. Executive: Odd Gjelsnes. Inside photo by Mariana Menezes Lindén. Front cover painting by Sylva Karin Johansen Produced by Steinar Aadnekvam.
STEINAR AADNEKVAM / WALTER AREIA / IVAN DO ESPIRITO SANTO - Ecology (2014)
Vinyl LP (180gr) ⎸ MMYH003LP ⎸ ISDN: 01877629900 ⎸ Total playing time:
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Planet Earth grows ever more aware of its shared destiny. Wherever we travel, we may find a home, yet we cannot ignore what is broken—the urgency of our collective crisis. And so we reflect, we give voice to it, because silence is no longer an option. The album ECOLOGY brings together three remarkable musicians in a meeting recorded in Recife, Brazil, in May 2013. Virtuoso acoustic guitarist Steinar Aadnekvam, hailing from the cold north of Scandinavia, immerses himself once again in the fertile mud of Pernambuco’s vibrant music scene. He is joined by two distinguished companions: bassist Walter Areia—of the legendary Manguebeat group Mundo Livre S/A—and flutist/saxophonist Ivan do Espírito Santo. All three appear as composers on this recording, weaving a dialogue of playful interplay and sparkling improvisation. While echoes of jazz resound throughout, attentive listeners will also discover the pulse of northeastern Brazilian traditions—Baião, Frevo, Chorinho—and even a spirited trace of rock’n’roll. released January 21, 2014 Steinar Aadnekvam - Acoustic Guitar Walter Areia - Upright Bass Ivan Do Espirito Santo - Flute and Saxophones Recorded at Estudio Muzak, Casa Forte, Recife - PE (Brasil) in May 2013. Engineer André Oliveira. Mixed by André Oliveira. Mastered by Adam Walek at AWR Studio, Atlanta - USA. Engraved by Janne Hansson at Atlantis Studio, Stockholm. Graphic designer Patric Thorman. Photos by Mariana Menezes Lindén and Vládia Lima. Cover art "MONO" by Valeria Rey Soto. Produced by Steinar Aadnekvam and Walter Areia.
STEINAR AADNEKVAM - Presents, from Pernambuco Brasil; Abacaxeiro (2011)
Audio CD ⎸ MMYH002CD ⎸ ISDN: 01877629900 ⎸ Total playing time:
Spotify ⎸ TIDAL ⎸ Apple Music ⎸ Bandcamp ⎸ YouTube ⎸ Selected reviews
Composed at the old sugarcane plantation Engenho Santa Fé in Nazaré da Mata, nestled in the rural inlands of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil, ABACAXEIRO evokes a place where time lingers and life unfolds in its most natural form. The music traces the arc of a single day — from the stillness of dawn to the density of tropical midnight — accompanied by the voices of birds and animals that inhabit the Atlantic rainforest, a fragile ecosystem now nearly vanished from our world. In eight movements, the listener is invited into the living memory of the ‘Engenho,’ carried along a journey that is at once intimate, timeless, and deeply rooted in the spirit of the land. Selected album reviews: "Extraordinary! A pleasant and enriching experience of the new musical cosmos. Along with diverse sounds from the rain forest here is a display of brilliant and inventive guitar playing." - Rocktimes (Germany) | "An evocative audition of the regions rythms and ambient sounds. A quirky, spirited audio postcard from the Brazilian backlands" - fRoots Magazine (UK) | "Sammen med fløytist/saksofonist Alexandre Ferreira, kontrabassist Junior Areia og perkusjonist Carlos Amarelo spiller han den temperamentfulle musikken med stort hjerte og ditto ferdighet. Globetrotteren Aadnekvam er stadig en sjelden fugl i den norske gitaristfaunaen, og han blir ikke mindre interessant å følge etter denne brasilianske erklæringen." - Dagbladet (Norge) | "Man kann "Abacaxeiro" hören, so oft man will. Was immer bleiben wird, ist die Faszination an einer Gitarre, die, weit weg von den kunstvollen, klugen Erfindungen der Musiker in den großen Städten, dorthin zurückgebracht worden ist, wo sie und alle Musik einst herkamen - in die Natur. Von einem weltläufigen Norweger, der sein Herz in Brasilien keineswegs verloren, wohl aber bis zum Rand mit Inspiration gefüllt hat." - JazzPodium (Germany) Released October 1, 2011 Steinar Aadnekvam - Guitar | Alexandre Ferreira - Flute, Sax, Pifanú | Junior Areia - Bass | Carlos Amarelo - Percussion | Guga 'Rasta' Santos - Poem (track 1) Recorded at Estudio Muzak, Recife - PE (Brasil). Engineer André Oliveira. Nature ambience (Engenho Santa Fé, Nazaré Da Mata) on-location recordings by Flavio 'Mamoha' Andrade. Editet by Povel Ohlsson. Mixed and Mastered by Jon Allan at OAL Studio, Sollentuna - Sweden. Graphic designer Patric Thorman. Photos by Mariana Menezes Lindén. Produced by Steinar Aadnekvam.
Steinar Aadnekvam - Simple Things (2010)
Audio CD ⎸ MMYH001CD ⎸ ISDN: 01877629900 ⎸ Total playing time: 56:02
Spotify ⎸ TIDAL ⎸ Apple Music ⎸ Bandcamp ⎸ YouTube ⎸ Selected reviews
The debut album from Norwegian acoustic guitarist Steinar Aadnekvam grew out of an extended collaboration with his quartet. It follows earlier distinctions such as a 2009 nomination for the ‘Young Nordic Guitarist’ award at the Uppsala Guitar Festival and reaching the finals of the 2010 ‘Norsk JazzIntro’ competition at the Molde Jazz Festival. Selected album reviews: "The guitar jazz CD of the year, without a doubt. A great new guitarist has presented himself." - Lennart Götesson / Dalademokraten | “You absolutely need to be blind not to recognize the virtuous talent of this young Norwegian jazz guitarist Steinar Aadnekvam. The twelve tracks on his debut album ‘Simple Things’ are Latin inspired and groovy jazz instrumentals that will provide you with an hour of in-depth relaxation and very enjoyable music.” - Rootstime Magazine Belgium | Steinar Aadnekvam (26) plays acoustic guitar with playful fingers on this debut disc, and has similarities with guitarists such as McLaughlin and Di Meola - with a large surplus on the technique and much inspiration is from Brazilian music and contemporary jazz. A presentation of a talented guitarist, proving that he is a musician to be reckoned with in the future. - Stephen Miedell / Bergens Tidende (Norway) | Compelling guitar lines from Steinar Aadnekvam – a player who handles acoustic here, but works in this warm mode that has lots of nice 70s touches too – an airy, atmospheric space that still finds plenty of room to groove, even in a gentle way – a bit like Pat Metheny on ECM , with all the light and color such a reference might imply – even though Steinar's overall sound is quite different! As with some of Metheny's best, there's a bubbling undercurrent on some of the best tracks – almost a trace of Brazilian jazz - Dusty Groove America (USA) Released October 23, 2010 Steinar Aadnekvam - Guitar | Jonatan Guzman - Piano | Petter Eldh - Bass | Anders Olsson - Drums, Percussion | Lena Swanberg - Guest Vocal (track 2) | Claes Janson - Guest Vocal (track 10) Recorded at OAL Studio, Sollentuna (2008 / 2009). Engineer Lennart Ström. Editet by Povel Ohlsson. Mixed by Lennart Ström. Mastered by Jon Allan. Graphic Direction and photo by Mariana Menezes. Produced by Steinar Aadnekvam.