“America’s Got Talent” was the perfect venue for Sweden’s vivacious queen of swing. She sings, tap dances and plays many instruments, including the trombone and bagpipes. She’s recorded with Postmodern Jukebox, notably on swing renditions of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and Madonna’s “Material Girl.” With PMJ, Carling made a video of Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” for which she played a host of instruments, including piano, harmonica and three trumpets at once. That was a novelty. She really can sing and swing, whether working solo or fronting her own big band, which recently performed at the Royal Palace in Stockholm in the celebration for King Carl XVI Gustaf’s Ruby Jubilee. Carling kicks off a two-month U.S. tour in Minneapolis. (STAR TRIBUNE)
Gunhild Carling
STAR TRIBUNE CONCERT PICK