CD Review: Pajala Tatawin's Self-Titled Release From Sweden And Tunisia

Pajala Tatawin
Pajala Tatawin
Knapsu

The unlikely pairing of music from Sweden and Tunisia is eloquently-illustrated on Pajala Tatawin's new, self-titled release. With Scandinavian melodies, folk roots, and the Arabic classicism of Tunisia's Amina Annabi, the music showcases some magical moments with joyous vocals, chants, heady rhythms, and diverse instrumentation that consists of double bass, accordion, kalimba, guitars, percussion, and piano. "Koskenkorva" is a splendid song with various vocalizations, symphonic sounds, edgy folk roots, light rock accompaniment, and Scandinavian sounds that leave listeners yearning for a repeat. The accordion-led, "Maa On Musta," is a reflective song set in a traditional setting that is quaint and somewhat French-inspired. The dance-friendly, "Muhamed," is an Arabic and European-inspired whirlwind of ecstatic beauty and earthly roots. There are Gypsy moments, Arabic grooves, Scandinavian roots, and global rhythms and vocals throughout for a very cohesive and enjoyable journey. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ljom's 'Seterkauk'

Ljom
Seterkauk
Kirkelig Kulturverksted 

The Norwegian-based group, Ljom, releases their newest album, Seterkauk, which concentrates its energy on cow call songs from Norway's past and present. The swirling songs are steeped in romantic folk rhythms and melodies with spritely vocals and heady arrangements. The group employs a bass, guitar, cello, piano, synth, clarinet, and other instruments, but the voice is the real instrument. Kjerst Kveli is the chief vocalist with a stark ability to evoke tons of emotion packed into a single verse. There is even a sweeping piano tune, "Bennykauken," that contains a bit of a jazzy elegance. At any rate, Ljom presents us with an interesting, relaxing, and contemporary journey into the cow call songs of Norway with ever having to leave our house. Well, you might have to leave at least once to buy the album, unless you get it online. High praise for folk, jazz, and new age sounds from yet another fine release on KKV. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Susanne Lundeng & Engegardkvartetten's 'Et Steg Ut'

Susanne Lundeng & Engegardkvartetten
Et Steg Ut
Kirkelig Kulturverksted

Norway's traditional and contemporary violinist, fiddler, nyckelharpist, and composer, Susanne Lundeng, brings in the Engegard Quartet for a truly neo-classical and folk-inspired arrangement. Susanne plays the violin on all eight tracks and the Quartet add their own talented string compositions for a very airy, authentic, and emotive result. The only vocal track is "Verdensveier," where Susanne lends her Norwegian vocals for a truly Nordic experience. The slow tune is a respite from the rather uppity compositions. There are spritely melodies, somber elements, and magical moments that found throughout the new album. Fans of string music, folk music, Scandinavian music, and neo-classical arrangements will love Et Steg Ut, which means, "a step out." ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Gjertrud Lunde's 'Hjemklang'

Gjertrud Lunde
Hjemklang
Ozella Music

The German-based group spearheaded by Gjertrud Lunde brings a Norwegian presence to the mix, as all of the songs are sung in Norwegian, as well as French, English, and Portuguese. The album, which means "home sounds," is an excellent reflection of Gjertrud's heritage. The four-piece band incorporates a little guitar, electronics, piano, rhodes, percussion, drums, tabla, and trumpet. The plaintive piano melody of "Going Home" is a reflection of peace and solitude with yearning at the forefront. The jazzy and equally-contemplative, "Marche vers l'Aube" showcases trumpet and electronics in a new light without any vocalizations during the first two minutes of the song. At any rate, the jazzy piano, light percussion, worldly vocals, and experimental rhythms make Hjemklang stand out from other albums. Anyone interested in Scandinavian jazz, European pop, and great music in general, will love Gjertrud Lunde's first, full-length effort running over one hour in length. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Yagoda Galo's 'Polar'

Yagoda Galo
Polar
Sketis Music

Based in Arkhangelsk, Russia--Russia's northwest region on the White Sea, Yagoda Galo performs folk, traditional, and original compositions from all around the North and in Russian lyrics. The eleven-track release contains some of the most beautiful and innovative Russian folk music ever recorded. The ensemble utilizes various instruments, including the didgeridoo, acoustic guitar, domra, mandolin, flute, clarinet, bongo, djembe, jew's harp, drums, bass guitar, and a few others. The result is a complex mix of songs that are vocally and instrumentally-rich. Many of the songs resemble early European or Scandinavian sea-faring songs, but these contain a Russian edge. At any rate, "By The Sea," "Far Away," and "Dreamboat" contain the most sea-faring elements. The best track on the album is probably "Around The Town." This track contains an extremely catchy melody and killer instrumental bridge at the end of the song. If you had to hear one song before you died; this would be it. I would not hesitate placing in the top ten best world music song list of all time. Polar combines the vocal/instrumental traditions of the Cold North, but presents us with the inner warmth of feel-good rhythms and melodies that shine beyond borders...and expectations. Polar is one of the best albums of music anywhere and at any time. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Firil's 'Smile Som Sumarsole'

Firil
Smile Som Sumarsole
Etnisk Musikklubb

Firil is led by Norwegian vocalist, Margit Myhr, but is joined by fellow countryman, Olav Luksengard Mjelva on Hardanger fiddle and Swedish musicians, Anders Hall on viola and octave fiddle with Adam Johansson on guitar. There is a mix of instrumental and vocal tunes throughout. The thirteen track release contains some soul-stirring and toe-twirling melodies that are upbeat, authentic, and raw. The sweet vocals of Margit Myhr are unforgettable and resemble the likes of Emma Hardelin and Jenny Wilhelm. The mostly traditional release brings together unique folk traditions from the Hallingdal region of Norway. Anyone familiar with traditional Scandinavian folk music will love it, yet it is accessible enough to entertain listeners in other world regions. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: ArHai's 'Eastern Roads'

ArHai
Eastern Roads
Balkanworlds Records

ArHai began with Jovana Backovic, a vocalist, keyboardist, and programmer from Serbia. Her bandmate, Adrian Lever, is a tambura player, guitarist, pianist, and double bass player on the album. The duo enlist the help of additional instrumentalists, including tabla, percussion, electric bass, and vocals. The music is folktronic with a good amount of world fusion ranging from South Asian to Scandinavian influences, but Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions are not too distant either. The background vocals on some tracks are reminiscent of Enigma-type tracks. However, this is not a dance album. Still, there are some 'danceable' tracks that are very moving. If contemporary folk music is what you are after, then ArHai serves it up deliciously. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Annbjorg Lien's 'Khoom Loy'

Annbjorg Lien
Khoom Loy
Compass Records

As a Norwegian fiddler and traditional musician, Annbjorg Lien has enthralled listeners throughout the world for years. Khoom Loy, which is Thai for 'Paper Lanterns,' is a fun romp throughout the Scandinavian and Celtic fiddling worlds with lively nyckelharpa, guitar, zither, banjo, pedal steel, B3, mellotron, bass, assorted percussion, and various brass. The songs are mostly instrumental, but Annbjorg's vocals on "Khoom Loy,'' suggest a strong folk influence. The jazzy, jam outro on "Natten" and "Needles Eye" are most akin to many of the Dave Matthews Band jam sessions with lively percussion, strings, and horns. The buzuq, bouzouki, tabla, sarod, and related instruments provide a Middle Eastern and South Asian element on "Den Storste Daarlighed" and "Til." There are spirited moments, contemplative melodies, and jazzy sounds that truly encapsulate the essence of world music today. Nothing is cheesy here. This is one of the best albums from Annbjorg's repertoire. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Young'uns' 'When Our Grandfathers Said No'

The Young'uns
When Our Grandfathers Said No
Navigator Records

The UK's The Young'uns are a folk trio that create emotive tracks of strings, guitars, accordion, and piano. The twelve tracks are great folk tunes with catchy melodies and fun lyrics. The vocals are representative of Celtic, Scandinavian, and Scottish/English folk melodies. This is contemporary folk, but there are no rock elements present. There are solemn moments and upbeat vocal displays of English charm. There are some vocal winners here, including "The Chemical Worker's Song," "Harbour Voice," and "Roll Down." Anyone with an interest in English folk music will love The Young'uns. Fans of vocal music from the same region will be pleased, too. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jon Anders Halvorsen's 'Komme No Heim'

Jon Anders Halvorsen
Komme No Heim
Etnisk Musikklubb

The Oslo-based folk singer and doctor, Jon Anders Halvorsen, brings us twenty-eight songs in the folk traditions of Norway. There are a mix of instrumental gems, several vocal and instrumental tunes, and a few solo vocal songs. All sung in Norwegian, the music is rich with various string instruments that are pleasant backdrops to the vocal displays of supreme musicianship. The serene vocals and light instrumentation is not too harsh or unnecessary. The sheer volume of songs represents a good cross-section of folk music in Jon's repertoire. The strings and plucked instruments are folksy and not modernized. Fans of Norwegian music should check it out, but fans of Scandinavian folk music in general will love the instrumental and vocal medleys on Komme No Heim. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Elin Furubotn's 'Heilt Nye Vei'

Elin Furubotn
Heilt Nye Vei
Ozella Music

Norway's talented singer/songwriter, Elin Furubotn, is joined with an excellent repertoire of musicians and jazzy instrumentation. Elin incorporates a folk and pop vein into the mix. The thirteen songs represent a plethora of ear-friendly material with "Heilt Nye Vei," "Slepp Tvilen Fri," "Ei Stille Na," and "Treet" rounding out the top tracks on the album. Heilt Nye Vei, which means "completely new way" is a perfect way to describe the music, as it is cutting-edge and inventive. Elin's Norwegian vocals soar into outer echelons of musical creativity with some of the vocals possessing a Cranberries tone. At any rate, Elin is the most innovative artist to come out of Norway in recent memory. Karl Seglem appears on sax. Anyone with an interest in avant-garde pop and easy-listening with a jazzy element from the Scandinavian nation will be very pleased with Elin's latest achievement from Ozella Music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Five Men In A Boat's Self-Titled Release from Norway

Five Men In A Boat
Self-Titled
Etnisk Musikklubb

Five Men In A Boat are a Norwegian group composed of performers from Norway, France, and England. There may be five men in the group; three nationalities represented; and one unifying quality that makes it all work. The traditional folk music of Ireland, Scotland, and England may be seen here. The pensive strings, giddy concertina, and guitars make the sound come together. The vocals are what one would expect for male folk music from this region. The voices are folk-driven and varied, according to the rhythm. Some of the songs possess a seamen's ambiance. Every song contains, rugged charm, soulful yearning for nostalgia, and good old fashioned stories in musical form. Extensive liner notes in Norwegian and English are included. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Triakel's 'Ulrikas minne Visor fran Frostviken'

Triakel
Ulrikas minne Visor fran Frostviken
Westpark Music

Sweden's most talented and beautiful vocalist, Emma Hardelin, lends her vocals and fiddle-playing on her latest release. Inspired by the music and folk traditions of Frostviken, Sweden, Ulrikkas minne... is a glorious album of folk fiddling with a dash of harmonium, bass, and guest vocals. The folk traditions are similar in style to Triakel's earlier releases; yet are a far cry from the amped-up, Nordic folk-rock of Emma's earlier Garmarna days. However, a new Garmarna release would be welcome in the near future, but that is a discussion for another day. The Swedish fiddling is happy, free, and spritely. Emma's vocals shine, too. Anyone interested in Scandinavian folk fiddling traditions will find solace in Triakel's new fifteen-track release. ~ Matthew Forss

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: Annlaug's 'November'

Annlaug
November
Fivreld

Annlaug's Norwegain roots shine through on her latest release from Scandinavia's fiddle country. However, the songs feature not only strings, but guitars, shruti box, accordion, banjo, ukulele, and percussion. Recorded in Scotland, Annlaug explores the music of not only Norway, but the British Isles as well. The guitars and percussion add a lively touch to the music. This is not simple violin or fiddle music with a solo voice. Instead, Annlaug's rich, musical arrangements retain a sense of roots and tradition, while concomitantly surging forward into the modern world with a slightly experimental and pop feel thrown in (though, not haphazardly). Annlaug's Norwegian song titles are translated into English in the liner notes. Also, English song lyrics are provided in the liner notes. November retains the sound quality of Faroe Islands' Valravn and the quirkiness of Denmark's Sorten Muld wrapped up in the arrangements of Heidi Talbot or Karine Polwart. Clearly, Annlaug knows how to create catchy, engaging, and vivid pieces of musical magic. ~ Matthew Forss   

CD Review: The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc's Self-Titled Release

The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc
The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc
Etnisk Musikklubb

The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc is a group of three talented fiddlers from Norway, Shetland, and Sweden. The twelve tunes are entirely instrumental and contain only fiddles and a viola. The traditional tunes come from the Shetland Islands, Norway, Sweden, Scotland, and the USA. However, the music is primarily steeped in traditions of Scandinavia, which satisfy the Nordic music fans immensely. The North Fiddlers Bloc is Olav Luksengard Mjelva (Norway), Anders Hall (Sweden), and Kevin Henderson (Shetland). All in all, the music is engaging, danceable, and nostalgic. Anyone with at least a passing interest in fiddle music should find The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc to be very entertaining. ~ Matthew Forss