Oh you're so silent Jens

Jens Lekman, (encore) Empty Bottle, Chicago, Illinois, October 20, 2005, Photo by Amy Spencer

Jens Lekman's music was introduced to me by my girlfriend Nilla; a breath of fresh air. His songs are so wonderful and sweet that when he came to Chicago and played Schubas I rode my bike through the freezing late winter dark to catch his set, alone. I found myself among unknown others who had been taken by his honest croon and writing style. Moving through the crowd I saw a pale faced kid. He looked about 17 but he's older than that. I met him and explained that I was planning on moving to Sweden, his home country. I received a warm smile and well wishes. Later, I was treated to one of the most personal and engaging sets I'd seen in quite some time. As he sang 'The Cold Swedish Winter' I closed my eyes and imagined Nilla warm in bed as the freezing fingers of Uppsala tapped at her window. I felt amazing somehow eventhough we were so far away from each other. His music was a natural bridge.

Jens' blog Small Talk is one of my daily visits eventhough he updates only once in a while. Today, as usual, I checked it and to my dismay I read his latest entry telling of his recent decision to take an extended, possibly permanant, leave from performing and releasing music.

This happens. I too have run into walls and wondered what my next move was going to be. We all have; we're only human. As you can read he's admitting to some emotional and physical problems that he needs to deal with. I can respect that. Playing a couple shows with Jens was an obvious highlight for me. And regardless as to whether I share a stage with him again, I hope to see him perform again one day.

The Cold Swedish Winter - mp3

Black Cab - mp3