Musician
Erland Westerström is one of very few harmonica players with a higher education in music (Royal College of Music in Stockholm). He specializes in Swedish traditional music but performs in other styles as well. In 2020 Erland released his first solo CD, Andas!, which highlights the harmonica as a solo instrument in traditional music.
With a background in cultural studies Erland is driven by curiosity and interest in the history behind the music, yet not afraid to make his own personal interpretations. As a harmonica player he has developed a unique style that brings together traditional and modern techniques into a unified whole. Erland often challenges the limits of which repertoire is considered playable on the instrument and he has done extensive work reinterpreting tunes associated with other folk instruments.
In June 2019 Erland was awarded the Silver Zorn Badge and the title Riksspelman (Musician of the Realm).
Erland performs both as a solo musician and in various ensembles such as the duo Westerström/Gardner with singer/guitarist Björn Gardner and the trio Västanvinden with Albin Myrin (clarinet) and Eric Jacobsson (cittern). He also plays for dancing on a regular basis.
On this page you will find some audio samples as well as live videos.
If you want to know more about Erland and his approach to the instrument check out this interview in English on Harmonica Happy Hour Podcast with Neil Warren.
CD
Erlands solo album Andas! (Breathe!) with Swedish traditional music is now available. It contains 12 tracks, 11 with solo harmonica and one duet with harpist Nina Grigorjeva.
Send an email if you want to order a CD (150 SEK + shipping) or the album as digital download (100 SEK).
Teacher
Erland is an experienced and appreciated harmonica teacher. He teaches students on all level in harmonica technique and Swedish folk styles. He leads courses in the Stockholm area on a regular basis and gives private lessons (Skype lessons are possible). Please send an email if you are interested in taking lessons.
Harmonica technician
If you need help repairing or tuning a harmonica please write a request through email. Erland regularly services all common types of harmonicas (diatonic, chromatic, tremolo and octave among others). Erland also offers service of the Hohner Harmonetta.
Contact
Email: erland.westerstrom[at]icloud.com
Phone: +46 73 070 56 19
