“Inde i min hjertekule bor en lille hjerteugle – altid vågen, aldrig træt”
Fra albummet “Hjerteuglen” / From the album “Hjerteuglen” (the Heart Owl)
“Inside the nook of my heart lives a little heart owl – always awake, never tired. “
Background
Welcome to The Heart Owl – a new EP featuring four songs created in collaboration with Denmark’s queen of rhymes, the fantastic children’s book author Marianne Iben Hansen, in the genre of child-friendly adult music (or perhaps adult-friendly children’s music).
The music expands on the children’s musical universe of Kirsebærsne (Cherry Blossom Snow) (2019), where I had the pleasure of being part of Tina Sakura Bestle’s poetic world.
For this recording, I’ve gathered talented friends from Argentina, Brazil, the USA, and Denmark. Their musicality has previously enriched releases like Tangofied II, Then/Now, Jazz Brazil, and Dialogues. Therefore, everything comes together into a beautiful musical whole.
Two songs also feature highly poetic and animated music videos by Sofie Graff Horup
Review
A Heartwarming Single from Torben Westergaard’s EP
Renowned Danish bassist and composer Torben Westergaard presents a touching new track. “Hjerteuglen” (The Heart Owl) derives its name from the Danish phrase meaning “Heart Owl. ” This is the first single from a four-song EP created in collaboration with Danish children’s author Marianne Iben Hansen. This delightful piece of music appeals to both children and adults (or perhaps, it’s children’s music for grown-ups). The song is carried by Torben’s soothing voice and bass, complemented by Ernesto Snajer’s warm guitar and Elio Alves’ gentle piano. You can also watch the poetic and charming animated music video, created by Sofie Graf Holm, on YouTube—be sure to check it out!
The Walker’s, Japan, 2025, Vol. 80
Credits
- Ernesto Snajer – guitar
- Mariano Tiki Cantero – percussion
- Helio Alves – piano
- Sophie Ziedoy – background vocals
- August Wanngren – trombone (track 2,4)
- Torben Westergaard – vocal, bass, keyboards, kor
- Sofie Graff Horup – animation video, cover art
All music by Torben Westergaard
Recorded 2024 at Millfactory Studios (DK), Camaradaland (ARG), and ZenTone Productions (DK)
Mixed 2024 at Virkeligheden by August Wanngren (DK)
Mastered by Sofia von Hage and Thomas Eberger at Stockholm Mastering (SE)
Cover design by Bønnelycke MDD.
Label and catalog number: TWMUSIC025
Released with support from the Danish Conductors Association, Koda Kultur, and Dansk Solist Forbund.