CD Review: Tritulen's Self-Titled Release From Scandinavia

Tritulen
Tritulen
Etnisk Musikklubb

 The Norwegian trio of Ebba Jacobsson, Jonas Akerlund, and Anette Thorsheim bring us contemporary folk music from Norway and Sweden on their latest self-titled release. The music is composed and performed on guitar, accordion, and fiddle. The group performs love songs, spiritual pieces, and dance tunes. The mix of vocals and instrumentals makes the songs really come alive with Scandinavian charm and amazement. The fourteen tracks are rich with folk traditions and sweet melodies that are crystal clear and pure. The floating vocals and pensive instrumentation makes Tritulen shimmer with icy-smooth executions. The lack of electric embellishments does not necessarily make the music lackluster. In fact, the cozy nature of the intimate melodies and notes are perfect enough for packing large stadiums or a house filled with family members sitting around a roaring fireplace in the dead of winter. Fans of Scandinavian folk music will find Tritulen a perfect companion in times of musical yearning. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Istiklal Trio's Self-Titled Release From Israel

Istiklal Trio
Istiklal Trio
High Fidelity
 
The instrumental music of Istiklal Trio is appealing, energetic, and contemplative--all at the same time. The trio is Yaniv Taichman (oud, guitar), Ariel Qassis (kanun), and Noa Vax (percussion). The modern trio does not incorporate dance-club tunes or electronic compositions notable in the trance world. Instead, the Trio performs renditions of classical pieces with up-to-date song structures perfect for fans of improvisational music, world music, folk music, instrumental music, and percussion. The scintillating rhythms reflect a South Asian, South American, and Central Asian sensibility with the charm of the Middle East thrown in for good measure. The fourteen tracks contain a few taqsims--Arabic maqams--and one rendition of the Godfather movie theme. The Trio makes instrumental music interesting and lively enough without resorting to banal rhythms and mindless melodies. Each instrument is given plenty of air-time throughout. Let Istiklal Trio ignite the musical passion in all of us. ~ Matthew Forss