CD Review: Ozere's 'Anyplace'

Ozere
Finding Anyplace
Self-Release

The Canadian folk-roots-group, Ozere, tackles beautiful melodies, breezy rhythms, and rootsy vocals with engaging instrumentals mixed in for added pleasure on their latest release, Finding Anyplace. This is mostly an original effort with only two songs attributed to other artists, such as "Wayfaring Stranger" and "MacArthur Road." The instrumental gem on the album, "Anyplace," weaves a tapestry of sonic sounds ranging from Celtic to Nordic and even the Middle East in a seamless fashion. However, the vocals are great on "Keeper" and "Someday Soon." Ozere does not fit into a specific genre very well, but anyone with a passion for folk, roots, neo-classical, new age, and world fusion will find love at first note with this one. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Torgeir Vassvik's 'Sapmi' From Norway

Torgeir Vassvik

Sapmi

Idut

The Norwegian musician extraordinaire, Torgeir Vassvik, assembles a set of ten songs from the land of the Sami people. Historically, the Sami people inhabit the Sapmi region--for which the album was named--and includes the countries of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The mysterious sounds of the viola, saw, bells, percussion, frame drums, field recordings, and guitars are played in such a manner to evoke images and sounds of the natural world. For instance, some of the sounds resemble falling rocks or clanging ice crystals. Moreover, the folksy melodies border on avant-garde. Torgeir's vocals are in the form of yoik singing, which is a form of throat-singing comparable to Inuit and Mongolian chanting. In fact, the instrumentation and singing is most similar to the music of Huun Huur Tu, coincidentally from the Mongolian/Tuvan region. Sapmi is an album that sticks with you long after the last note commences. Anyone with an interest in throat-singing, yoik chanting, or music from Scandinavia, should lend their ear to Torgeir's masterpiece. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Valravn's "Koder pa snor"

Valravn

Koder pa snor

Voices Music & Entertainment

Valravn is a quintet with a lead singer, Anna Katrin Egilstrod, from the Denmark-owned, Faroe Islands. The Faroe Islands are located between Iceland and Scotland. Anna is joined by Danish-frontmen, Martin Seeburg on flutes, viola, vocals, Soren Hammerlund on mandola, hurdy gurdy, nyckelharpa, and Christopher Juul on keyboards/electronics. Juan Pino is from Switzerland and plays the davul, hammered dulcimer, and percussion instruments. After their self-titled, 2007 release, which included re-interpretations of old, Nordic songs for a contemporary audience. On Koder pa snor, which means, "codes on a string", they primarily write most of the songs. The album title represents that every particle in the universe is connected. Naturally, the songs follow a sinewy, musical path with unique electronic sounds and the heavenly voice of Anna. Valravn, which means "raven of the slain", is a familiar reincarnation of the now defunct, Emma Hardelin-led Swedish group, Garmarna. Though, there are hints of Denmark's Sorten Muld and even Belgium's Hooverphonic. All in all, the music threads the listener through mystical and haunting adventures that is anything but scary. A true delight! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Eja - A Swedish Quartet

Eja
Alruna
Footprint Records

Eja is a Swedish quartet consisting of percussionist, celloist, Arabian lutist, and vocalist. They play traditional psalms and hymns of Nordic origin. Eva Rune provides the Swedish vocals. Her clear vocals are reminiscent of other Nordic folk music groups, such as, Gjallarhorn, Garmarna, and Triakel. The Arabic lute, played by Robert Folsch, adds a transglobal element to the group with high applause all around. The content of the songs contains elements of Biblical faith, joy and happiness, and the emotions of daily living. Liner notes include Swedish titles and lyrics. On the whole, Alruna transcends the Nordic spirit and brings forth long-standing traditions for a new generation. ~ Matthew Forss