There are two distinct art forms any working musician tries to master. In no particular order they are the art of live performance and the discipline of being able to make compelling music in the studio. In the case of Trickbag, they seem to be that increasingly rare ensemble who excels at both art forms.

Trickbag has just released its latest CD Candyville and it is as fresh and exciting as one of their live performances. In fact Candyville just might be their best CD to date.

The Stockholm, Sweden, based ensemble was founded 21 years ago by singer, percussionist and songwriter Tommy Moberg. The band’s current line-up has coalesced around the dynamic performer for the past 15 years or so. The band really is a collective of some of the best musicians on the exhilarating European scene. Along with Moberg the band is anchored by fellow Swede, bassist, back up vocalist and songwriter Lars Näsman.  Drummer Per Norin and pianist Fredrik von Werder also hail from Sweden. The line-up is rounded out by Finnish guitarist Tomi Leino and harmonica player Steve “West” Weston from London.

Candyville is a twelve song adventure into a variety of blues, vintage r&B and some 50’s style rock&roll. Trickbag originals, written by various band members, stand beside some fun covers. This forty two minute dance party features some jump blues, Chicago blues and a Weston original with a Bo Diddley beat and that is just the first three songs. From there the band plays everything from a blues rumba to a wonderful swampy blues via a song written by Moberg and James Harman entitled You Mystifies Me. Even the hipster songwriting team of Lieber and Stoller work their way into the mix, as the band does a wonderful take on the Coasters classic, Poison Ivy.

Candyville is a document that clearly demonstrates that the six members of this band are at the top of their game and are hitting on all cylinders. They have, for some time, been one of the top bands on the European scene yet as a unit they haven’t rested on their laurels.

For years Trickbag has served as a back-up unit for American blues musicians traveling to Scandinavia. These associations culminated in their 2013 CD Trickbag with Friends. On that release the band was joined by guests including James Harman, John Nemeth, Barrelhouse Chuck, R.J. Mischo, the late, great Lynwood Slim and others. Here on Candyville, the band stands on their own and they stand tall. This CD is a strong contender for album of the year and receives my highest recommendation.

- David Mac