Paal Flaata has appeared at Dark Season Blues before, but he was no stranger to Svalbard even before that. In the 1980s, he worked in Ny-Ålesund, just as his father had done.
Paal Flaata fronted the band Midnight Choir for ten years. The band released five studio albums, and their “masterpiece,” *Amsterdam Stranded* (1998), earned them a Spellemann Award.
A few years ago, Midnight Choir made a comeback, but Flaata has been recording albums and touring as a solo artist for 20 years—always alongside producer and pianist Gøran Grini. He has released eight solo albums since 2002. Flaata is blessed with one of the most beautiful voices in the country, and he is a fabulous interpreter of others’—often sad—songs. His latest album to date, “New Green Grass Will Grow” (2022), consists of cover songs by Randy Newman, Jacques Brel, Daniel Norgren, and others.
“It has a more European sound, in contrast to the Americana-influenced style I’ve had in the past. The album captures the intuitive connection Gøran and I share as musicians, having been on the road together for years,” says Paal about the album. Joining him on Dark Season Blues are Frederik Mustad (organ) and Jørn Raknes (guitar).
Dark Season Blues©2023
