Catch-Up: Malmö

OK, firstly....special thanks to Maria for passing on the links to the following reviews:

http://www.expressen.se/noje/musik/1.2112312/flinkfingrad-feelgoodpop : it's a four-star review by Linus Sandell for Expressen: "Salem Al Fakir, this classically trained piano-pop virtuoso....for one hour fills every corner of the square with nimble-fingered piano melody and everything from the feel-good tones of "Good Song" to the catchy "Keep on Walking".

"Sometimes the whole idea is similar to a children's programme.....but Salem Al Fakir is on the right side of the border all the time and it's very entertaining". The reviewer goes on to say "During "4 o'clock" the whole town square is transformed into a dance floor where everyone applauds to Salem's instructions". He also comments that "...When the singer simply stands up, he is not quite as comfortable, his hands frantically searching for something to tinker at. Good thing he has his hair - it comes in handy"

The reviewer concludes that "'Keep on Walking' is still his strongest card for the audience".

Meanwhile at Skanska Dagbladet, http://www.skanskan.se/article/20100827/NOJE/100829716/1002/NOJE/*/charmigt-med-potential reviewer Peter Eliasson observes: "With his participation in this year's Melodifestivalen, Salem Al Fakir has become much loved. And it is not difficult to understand why. The guy is, of course, charming and likeable. Then he obviously provides positive, playful, pop music which the older audience can appreciate. The latter clearly showed in Stora Torget on Thursday."

The reviewer also comments: "Yet Al Fakir is, in his own way, a rather odd bird. At least to be someone in the mainstream. As a whole there is a lot of ideas and unusual features/twists in the songs. The singer is not difficult to absorb...especially in a live performance. Thursday's appearance consisted of a lively musical bouquet with all kinds of variants on the theme of happy pop."

The reviewer goes on to say: "Three and a half years ago I saw him for the first time, so it need hardly be observed that he has evolved a lot since then....he has more focus without losing the curiosity and spontaneity" and finally concludes: "Al Fakir has thus passed the stage of a promising artist by now. All that remains is to tighten up the show and raise the tempo a little for the next tour. The potential is there to be a real big act after all".

You can also check out some pictures from Malmöfestivalen by Malin Valtonen at http://www.festivalphoto.net/index.php?page=2&concertID=16750