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

CD Review: Catriona McKay & Chris Stout

Catriona McKay & Chris Stout

White Nights

McKay Stout Music

Catriona McKay, a Scottish harpist, and Chris Stout, a Shetland fiddler, explore the world of music using only strings. The longing sounds of "Missing You" accentuate the fiddle's somber side, while the harp sounds offer hope and happiness. The giddy title track, "White Nights", is a folkish jaunt of creative pleasure for the mind and body. The sparkling "Eira" is a Welsh waltz for the celebration of friendship. Notably, the addition of vocalizations or other musical instruments are nonexistent on White Nights. The calming "A Home Under Every Tree" was written as a peaceful, hymn-style tune for a Norwegian silent film. On "Roddy Sinclair", Chris plays with much enthusiasm. With a running time over forty-five minutes in length, White Nights is loaded with enough care, charm, and charisma to please any fan of the harp or fiddle, as well as folk, Celtic, Scottish, Welsh, and Canadian music. ~ Matthew Forss