Dear listener In the recent years, I have found myself covering some favorite icelandic folk and traditional songs alongside my original material at my concerts. These are songs that have touched me deeply and been an important part of my life. I wanted to make a compilation of these songs and put them on a live record, a kind of cover work, before I go on with my next album of originals.

My friends encouraged me to do the deed and my publisher Aðalsteinn Ásberg welcomed the idea of a live concert in his living room in Skólavörðustígur 27 with open arms. There were no more obstacles and we went on ahead. Family and close friends were invited to a house concert with light refreshments and all the works. The mood was unforgettable.

The moment was beautiful, my grandmother Svava was there and she sat and listened to the good old songs that I had always wanted to sing for her. I therefore dedicate this album to my grandmothers, Svava, Vilborg and Þórhildur, that have always been so good and gentle and loved their little grandson with all their hearts. All of the songs on this album are important to me and have a special place in my heart.

It was wonderful to enjoy this evening with all those beautiful people in the living room and singing without any amplification or "middle men" for the ones I love. In the kitchen sat the sound engineer, Jón Skuggi, and listened to every cracking joint, hum and loud breath in the room. He was invaluable and has my dearest gratitude.

I hope that the love, warmth and serenity that reigned in Aðalsteins living room makes its way to your ears. As I listen to the recordings and write these words I feel in the performance all the love I carry for my parents, my brothers, my grandparents, loved ones and lovers. If you listen closely you can also hear the cars, creaking chairs and the clicking of knitting. But I think that makes it all just a little bit more homey. credits

Kvöldvaka is Icelandic for "Evening wake". It means a night of stories, songs, singalongs and contemplation. We recorded it very much live and with impromptu backing vocals and some extra instruments, such as a melodica and musical saw. We aimed at a very short recording time to capture the moment without pomp and pretentiousness and we believe we really reached that goal.

My dear listener, in this humble album, I have enclosed some of my favourite encore songs from my concerts. These are all songs that I have played as a final song before saying goodbye to some awesome crowds throughout the last couple of years. Sweet songs, happy songs, sad songs, somber songs, humorous songs and powerful songs. These are songs for bowing, exiting stage left and farewell hugs. Songs for Au Revoirs and Auf Wiedersehens, songs for longing and reunion. These are my goodbye lovelies.

Brot (The Breaking) is Svavar Knútur's fourth solo album, closing a certain chapter in Svavar Knútur's life journey, that started with Kvöldvaka. An exploration of grief, the torrents of life, wanderlust, love, family and other themes. More arranged and fuller than Svavar Knútur's earlier work, Brot features songs in full band mode, contrasted with some very sparse arrangements. Sounds like a dream on Vinyl.