Robert Forster's Swedish Strawberries and the Red Spirit Singers let their voices ring out

Recorded (largely) as-live in Sweden, with a group of that country's indie luminaries, Robert Forster's latest album Strawberries shows the singer-songwriter in a playful mood and embracing the role of storyteller. Speaking to Andy for the first time in quite some time, Forster explains why he made the trip and why he refused to tour the album until he could bring the band over to play it with him.

With up to thirteen singers and ten drummers, all clustered around a giant communal drum, the Red Spirit Singers produce a huge sound. The group, composed of members of the Ute Nation in Utah, have been performing their music for almost 40 years, with multiple generations involved over that time. Founder AJ Kanip talks about that history and about the importance of the songs, old and new.

Music heard in this program:

Title: Bear Dance

Artist: Red Spirit Singers

Composer: Red Spirit Singers

Album: Land of the Sun

Label: Independent release

Title: Strawberries

Artist: Robert Forster

Composer: Robert Forster

Album: Strawberries