CD Review: Randi Tytingvag's 'Let Go'

Randi Tytingvag
Let Go
Ozella Music

Norway's Randi Tytingvag is joined by Anders Aarum on piano and glockenspiel; Espen Leite on accordion; Jens Fossum on double bass; Ola Kvernberg on violin; and Morten Michelsen on clarinet. The classy, English vocals are performed in a jazzy, pop standard fashion with some folk instrument accompaniment that gives it a North American feel. The sweet melodies, soft piano, and gritty violin make Let Go seem like a sunny recording of utter happiness for any cloudy or rainy day. The sweet vocals by Randi are somewhat reminiscent of the U.K.'s Katie Melua. In any case, the eleven tracks showcase Randi's pleasant voice and simple instrumental repertoire that build upon a folk base with some jazz and improvisational music thrown in the mix. Fans of Norwegian and Scandinavian folk and vocal music will love it. Listeners young and old will love the sincere lyrics and jaunty musical arrangements. An addtional recording by Tytingvag purchased separately contains the exact same songs, but they are instrumentals on Let Go: Instrumentals (Ozella Music, 2011). ~ Matthew Forss