James Yorkston, Nina Persson and the Second Hand Orchestra

10 February, 2023

I have only recently discovered James Yorkston through his work as ‘Yorkston/Thorne/Khan’. With the recent release of his beautiful ‘The Great White Eagle’, I decided to take a punt on his performance at the Jazz Cafe. Now this is going to sound rather stupid. I completely forgot that this was a joint album with Nina Persson of Cardigans fame. While I can’t say I was a massive Cardigans fan. For a brief time in the mid-90s, they were the sound of indie pop, crafting brilliant indie pop tunes that are very much a backdrop to my life. Nina’s floaty vocals were a large reason for the infectious nature of their songs.

Tonight was the last night of the tour where they were accompanied by the Second Hand Orchestra. Sweden’s Second Hand Orchestra bring together musicians from different backgrounds and often ask them to play with instruments that aren’t their chosen instrument. The orchestra featured violin, sax, bass, guitar, drums and keyboard. Allowing us to hear the album played as it was recorded.

It was one of those evenings when the music sublimely washed over me. Despite only knowing each other for a short period, the interactions between James and Nina was natural and friendly. Nina’s vocals are maybe a little less floaty, but her greater control complemented James’s vocals, often circling his. Prefect example was on ‘The Harmony’, Nina’s vocals perfectly bleed together with James’s. At no point did either compete. Both giving way to each other to create a beautiful sound.

It was a lovely evening of music. Definitely worth catching if they play the summer festivals.

Set List