A Woman’s Voice is all about life from a woman’s perspective and experience, in this case my own. It is about taking the step from a girl to a woman, looking back in time and then to the future, finding my place in the world and daring to go my own way. When you reach the age of forty, a woman has often experienced a considerable amount in life. Many have given birth, made new friends, perhaps lost a love and even suffered bereavement of one or both parents. But, above all, you have begun to accept just who you are, where you are from and how much strength, pride and self-assurance this experience has created. My portrait takes its roots from music and life-patterns that are based on exactly those experiences, and how it has formed me to become the woman and musician I am today. Here is a selection of musical gems that celebrate some of my main sources of inspiration who have made a lasting impression over the years: Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Abbey Lincoln, Carmen McRae, Wayne Shorter, Sarah Vaughan, Shirley Horn and the Swedish icon, Monica Zetterlund. These are mixed with original compositions in bold, imaginative, arrangements by Martin Sjöstedt. The songs I have chosen mean much to me both as compositions but are also in honor of the artists behind them. This is my third album together with Martin Sjöstedt, this time as an arranger, songwriter, conductor and piano player. We have the great pleasure of collaborating with one of Sweden’s foremost big bands, Norrbotten Big Band. This album is a dedication to life itself and especially to my son Benjamin who has given me an even greater reason to live and sing!