tuulikki bartosik Fresh sounds of Baltoscandic ambient accordion

Estonian-Swedish accordion artist and composer Tuulikki Bartosik is a spontaneous performer who is equally convincing as a soloist with a symphony orchestra or as an intimate solo performer. Her music is light, innovative and fresh, creating new sounds out of ancient Scandinavian and Ugric ingredients. Tuulikki Bartosik finds her inspiration back at her roots in South Estonia’s Võrumaa region and in the busy city environment in Stockholm, while various collaborative projects take her frequently around the world. Being open minded and having an innovative approach both as a composer and musician, Tuulikki Bartosik is one of the leading contemporary accordionists in the world. Her solo album Tempest in a Teapot was released in Europe in autumn 2019 and reached the Top of The World selection in Songlines Magazine in April 2020. Her latest single London opens up the new soundscapes of the forthcoming album Playscapes which will be released in autumn 2022.

“No matter what musical direction Tuulikki Bartosik takes, it will shine under her fingers. While for a long time she fascinated the audience with her simple but charmingly sincere accordion creation, the fresh material is more experimental and fuller of nuances. It even seems to me that the core of the single “Reval: The Cheating Story” can be compared to Maarja Nuut: they both play with the rudiment of traditional music as plasticine, shape it in many ways and add dozens of electronic textures on top of it, which brings the little bit dusty music firmly on the ground in today’s world." Kaspar Viilup, Estonian Public Broadcasting

Indeed, one instrument has enormous potential. This potential can be disclosed by an artist with a similarly convincing determination and talent. Accordion player Tuulikki Bartosik delivers tunes so effortlessly, as if the instrument forms part of her physical being. Her compositions are flowing instrumental pieces, gently framed with pedal-board effects. One of them is In Luce Amor/Eternal Love. Consisting of a few parts, it conjures up a steady growth of a sprout in an environment that is not always friendly. louderthanwar.com

“(...)The most beautiful set of the weekend is surely delivered by Tuulikki Bartosik. The Estonian accordion master cuts a solitary figure sitting alone on a large stage, whilst luring heart-stopping, achingly human sounds. Her piece inspired by the plight of political refugees is as haunting and profound as a feature-length documentary, an unforgettably touching tribute that rounds off one of the most memorable and well-observed 40 minutes of music that you could hope to see.” Max Pilley, undertheradarmag.com

Photo by Ingridient

"From start to finish these are compelling performances from one of the finest of accordionists, and it's all been sensitively produced by legendary Swedish saxophonist and teacher Jonas Knutsson." Fiona Talkington, Songlines

"If you want something gentler, it's worth paying attention to Estonian accordion player Tuulikki Bartosik - without hearing it, you wouldn't believe that the accordion can sound so different and follow stories, from baby cradles to stories about Japan and melting snow. Refreshment for the ears - and it would sound great even on the scene of any alternative music festival." - Ramūnas Zilnys, Lithuanian National Radio and Television

Discography

2022 London solo single digital release

2022 Reval: Pettäsaamislugu/Reval: A Cheating Story solo single digital release

2022 Robertsfors solo single digital release

2021 Fýri solo EP (ER001) digital release

2019 "Tempest in a teapot" solo album (PWM32; NN132)

2016 “Primary reception” solo EP (Crónica)

2016 “Storied Sounds” solo album (RBRCD31; CDNN091)

2015 “Upa-upa ubinakõnõ” (Võro Instituut 2015) with Mari Kalkun and Pastacas

2015 “Chatterbox” (RBRCD25) with Hannah James

2014 Estonian Folk Orchestra “Imemaa/Wonderland” (EFO001)

2006 “Gubbdrag” (TUEMCD1) with Emma Reid not available online