Swedish Radio P2 presents a grand tribute concert honoring one of the greatest musical visionaries of our time – Joni Mitchell.
Award-winning folk icon Sofia Karlsson and rising star Esta Kirabo will take on Mitchell’s timeless repertoire, interpreting her songs with their unique voices and expressions. Together with MASAKA Trio and guitarist Mattias Perez, they will create a musical experience that breathes new life into Mitchell’s influences from folk, jazz, and rock.
Joni Mitchell is one of popular music’s most influential songwriters and artists. From the 1960s folk scene to her genre-blending albums in jazz and experimental rock, she consistently pushed creative boundaries. Her innovative guitar tunings, storytelling lyrics, and uncompromising artistry have inspired generations of musicians worldwide.
Often considered a folk singer in her early career, Mitchell quickly erased genre boundaries, creating her own distinct musical universe. She explored everything from the fragility of love to societal power structures with a sincerity that both touches and challenges listeners.
In recent years, she has stepped away from music to devote herself entirely to painting — yet her musical legacy remains immortal, continuing to inspire new generations of artists.
The concert will be broadcast live on P2.
Sofia Karlsson
“Mitchell’s poetry speaks directly to me, as do her melodies. Somehow, we are alike, despite an ocean and a generation between us. Perhaps it’s the folk musician in me and in her that are in conversation. I don’t have a dulcimer, but I’ll bring my bouzouki to Fasching on May 28 and look forward to diving deep into Mitchell’s songbook until then.” — Sofia Karlsson, January 2025
With four Swedish Grammis awards, gold records, and a solid catalog of both original material and interpretations, Sofia Karlsson is one of Sweden’s most beloved artists. Her voice and musical storytelling have captivated audiences for over 20 years, and her interpretations of both Swedish and international songwriters have moved listeners to tears. In April 2025, she will release her seventh studio album, En sång till Selma, featuring musical settings of Selma Lagerlöf’s texts.
Guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Mattias Perez is ranked as one of Sweden’s leading folk musicians today and has toured with countless groups worldwide. Rooted in traditional folk music as well as jazz, he is also a lecturer at the Ingesund School of Music. In addition to accompanying greats like Sofia Karlsson, Ulrika Bodén, Sigrid Moldestad, and Helene Blum, he has released the solo album Nattdansen, showcasing his talents across a range of string instruments.
Lineup
Sofia Karlsson – vocals, bouzouki, guitar
Mattias Perez – guitar
Esta Kirabo & MASAKA Trio
Esta Kirabo was born into music and has been singing since childhood. At just six years old, she started playing drums and singing in a church choir, and it wasn’t long before her soulful voice began to turn heads. Her warm, dynamic singing style – blending jazz, soul, and gospel – has made her one of Sweden’s most exciting young artists. With collaborations including Timbuktu, she has already made her mark on the Swedish music scene – and soon she will release new material showcasing her creative range.
By her side is MASAKA Trio, featuring some of the country’s top jazz musicians: Mats Sandahl, Leo Lindberg, and Moussa Fadera. As a rhythm section, they’ve toured with Timbuktu, performed with some of Sweden’s most acclaimed musicians, and developed their own sound where jazz spontaneity meets rhythmic and harmonic curiosity. They have also invited several well-known guest soloists to their concerts, creating magic both as a trio and in collaboration with other artists.
Together with Esta Kirabo, MASAKA Trio offers a personal and dynamic interpretation of Mitchell’s music — an evening filled with tenderness and power.
Lineup
Esta Kirabo – vocals
Leo Lindberg – piano
Mats Sandahl – bass
Moussa Fadera – drums
