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: 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