(December 16, 2023) It was just a minute ago when SoulTracks presented their selections for the annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Longtime ST family member Jonas Rendbo was one of the Song of the Year nominees represented by “Too Much to Mention,” documenting the Covid pandemic’s jolting pessimistic aftereffects. But there is more than Jonas’ journals on pen and paper that have impressed his global fanbase. For this “Godfather of Scandinavian Soul,” who stayed true to the independent recording path since his debut, Sweet Dreams Guaranteed, has successfully blended his gentle soulful nuances with pop, dance and whatever else fits the intention of the potent storylines.
(December 16, 2023) It was just a minute ago when SoulTracks presented their selections for the annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Longtime ST family member Jonas Rendbo was one of the Song of the Year nominees represented by “Too Much to Mention,” documenting the Covid pandemic’s jolting pessimistic aftereffects. But there is more than Jonas’ journals on pen and paper that have impressed his global fanbase. For this “Godfather of Scandinavian Soul,” who stayed true to the independent recording path since his debut, Sweet Dreams Guaranteed, has successfully blended his gentle soulful nuances with pop, dance and whatever else fits the intention of the potent storylines.
As Jonas prepares to release his latest full-length, Be the Light, there are recent experiences he is eager to share - such as celebrating over two decades performing music around the world by dedicating his latest song to his lifetime support system. First Listen once again welcomes the soon to be 50 years young and multi-tasking Jonas with “You Are Amazing” (Jonas Music), saluting his wife and those who sacrifice their time in keeping the home front stable while their spouse travels abroad.
Under Jonas’ production, a small horn section ushers in the head nodding, finger snapping neo-soul soundtrack, frosted by Aaron Wood’s warm flugelhorn. And the irresistible rhythm section shadows Jonas’ silky baritone acknowledging others’ appreciation of his wife: “It's funny how you don’t know what you do/The way that everybody looks to you/How they hang on every word you say/You always seem to make a way.”
Check out the accompanying video to “You Are Amazing,” focusing on Jonas’ devoted love of his life.
By Peggy Oliver
Jonas - "You Are Amazing"