CD Review: Valravn's 'Re-Cod3d'

Valravn
Re-cod3d
Westpark Music

Hailing from the Faroe Islands, Valravn is an experimental, roots, and electronica group that is in the same vein as Garmarna, Sorten Muld, and Gjallarhorn. Coming from a Scandinavian-like musical background, Valravn's music has been remixed, or in this case--'re-coded'--as songs from previous albums are reinvented on this current release. Remixes are provided by the famous Carmen Rizzo, as well as Omnia, ORKA, Transglobal Underground, Euzen, Faun, Soren Bendixen, The Kenneth Bager Experience, Midi Lidi, and Pawel Rychert. The songs are a bit quirky, dark, and uptempo in an alternative way without resorting to flashy dance tracks or light and airy elevator music. There are male and female vocals. Valravn's remix masters came from all over the world to work on this project, including Poland, Norway, U.K., Netherlands, USA, Denmark, Germany, and Czech Republic. Re-cod3d is a solid release for fans of previous material. However, the contemporary setting may attract a new crowd. At any rate, the music of the Faroe Islands is on the map for world music fans! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Denmark's Helene Blum

Helene Blum

Liden Sol

Pile House Records

Denmark's shining star, Helene Blum, is a singer and fiddler. Helene is joined by the Harald Haugaard Ensemble with a perfect instrumental repertoire of octave mandolin, fiddle, guitar, cello, Jew's harp, double bass, flugelhorn, and percussion. As a follow-up to her acclaimed En Gang Og Altid (Pile House Records, 2008), Liden Sol, or 'Little Sun', offers another fine set of contemporary folk songs from the Scandinavian North. Her voice is the only instrument on "Fryd Dig, Du Kristi Brud". While a majority of the songs on Liden Sol are based on historic compositions, "Decembernat" and "Julevise 1862" are the only songs with music attributed to Helene. The traditional "Julefest" is an attractive set of historic jigs carried by the fiddle, guitar, and octave mandolin. "Ouverture" is a glorious, yet brooding song quite in-line with a track from Emma Hardelin's-Garmarna days. All in all, Liden Sol is a bright spot at the top of Denmark's musical echelon. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Northern Melodies by Eskil Romme and Friends

Eskil Romme

Himmerlandsmelodier

TUTL

Himmerlandsmelodier is named by the location 'Himmerland'--a district of northeastern Jutland, Denmark. 'Melodier' connotes the musical 'melody' portion of the title. Eskil plays soprano sax, and is joined by the UK's Karen Tweed (accordion), Ghana's Ayi Solomon (percussion), Poland's Andrzej Krejniuk (bass), and Denmark's Ditte Fromseier (violin), Morten Alfred Hoirup (guitar) and Peter Rosendal (piano). The album is entirely instrumental. Almost every instrument shares the spotlight from time to time. The sounds of the violin, sax and accordion dance effortlessly, as if entwined, throughout the title track, 'Spring Peace'. The songs are not defined by any one genre, but they definitely possess a cozy, down-home feel. This is music with substance, originality, and fluidity. Make Himmerlandsmelodier a part of your life today! Song titles in Danish and English are included. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Denmark's Helene Blum

Helene Blum
En Gang Og Altid (Once and Forever)
Pile House Records

En Gang Og Altid was released in 2008. Denmark's Helene Blum offers a poignant album of vocal songs and folksy guitar playing. There is a mix of traditional Danish tunes and original compositions. The instrumental repertoire contains guitar, mandolin, whistle, fiddle, bass, duduk, dobro, and others. The incredible songwriting abilities and voice of Helene can cut through any darkened moods or sadness. In effect, her voice has the ability to summon Heavenly spirits of harmonious goodness. In a universe all her own, she is relatively comparable to Ireland's Heidi Talbot, Scotland's Karine Polwart, and Canada's April Verch. All in all, you should discover Helene Blum today--your ears will thank you! Liner notes include lyrics in Danish only. ~ Matthew Forss