Take Note - Songwriter Sessions hosted by Marie Kanske / Susanne Folk + Special Guest Valentin Schuster

Take Note – The Songwriter Sessions is a monthly concert series at the Blue Note Dresden and offers singer-songwriters a stage for their own songs, new ideas and intimate live moments. Between folk, indie, Americana and acoustic songwriting, evenings with changing artists, personal stories and a direct atmosphere are created.

The sessions are moderated by Marie-Sophie Kanske (Sea of Love) and are aimed at experienced musicians as well as new voices from the scene. Entrance is free, donations go entirely to the performing artists:innen.

Musicians: Women who want to perform themselves can contact Marie with a short biography, 1-2 photos and links to audio/video material.

• Susanne Folk (vocals, piano) & Valentin Schuster (drums, backing)

Singing

Musically, Susanne Folk moves on the terrain of advanced pop, with punctual references to sources of inspiration such as Amy Lee (Evanescence), Tori Amos and Rufus Wainwright.

In some facets, folk reveals a weakness for gothic aesthetics, not a few chords refer to their jazz experiences. A certain melancholy runs through many titles, promoted by rather dark colored vocal lines and expressive phrasings of the singer.

With her first solo album Susanne Folk sets a striking sign. Love Is Not A Weakness builds on the power of a charismatic voice, accompanied by the natural sounds of the grand piano. This concentration, which goes hand in hand with a determined abandonment of electronic sounds, creates a special intimacy, suitable for folk thoughtful lyrics. The result is a collection of timeless songs of great intensity.

From the initially complete solo story developed recently the desire to add a special musician personality, which the artist now seems to have succeeded with Valentin Schuster on drums and backing vocals. Chamber punk jazz, prog metal and elevator punk are just a few styles of his other bands, but he can also do something different: his versatility and creative energy seem to be endless, which he also proves in this much quieter duo.

...The charisma of singer, composer and pianist Susanne Folk is overwhelming. Their songs push you against a wall or slow down the pulse. The 10 songs are pure drama, melancholy or accessible intensity...Susanne’s wonderful playing on the grand piano is perfect and lures you into a deep intimacy with her strong singing voice... ewei, Concerto 3/2023

“...advanced, romantic, partly dramatically enhanced pop art...” MAZ online 06/2023

“...music full of warmth and lyrics...” jazz-fun.de, 06/2023