Maria Kalaniemi
Maria Kalaniemi: Vilda Rosor (2010)
Finnish accordionist Maria Kalaniemi grew up in a home where both Swedish and Finnish were spoken. In the liner notes she states, “Both of these cultures exist side by side in my musical world.” My review of her recording Vilda Rosor is on RootsWorld.
Karuna
Karuna: Hyvää Matkaa (2010)
The Finnish trio Karuna takes the listener on an enjoyable trip through new compositions anchored in traditional folk dance music. My review of Hyvää Matkaa, the trio’s first record, is on RootsWorld.
Väsen Interview
photo by Johanna Harness
Väsen Interview
The Swedish trio Väsen played in Boise earlier this month, and I had a chance to interview them for RootsWorld.
Here’s a video of them performing “Väsen Street” at the Nordic Roots Festival a few years ago.
Natacha Atlas
Natacha Atlas: Mounqaliba (2010)
Natacha Atlas conveys a state of reversal using natural sounds, electronics, jazz, and Arabic classical forms. My full review is on RootsWorld.
Here’s a video Natacha Atlas created of her music mixed with images of the recent uprising in Egypt.
Randy Weston
Randy Weston and His African Rhythms Sextet: The Storyteller (2010)
Now in his 80s and with some 40 records under his name, Randy Weston shows no sign of backing down in his quest for African rhythm. His African Rhythms Sextet features TK Blue on reeds and Lewis Nash on drums. My full review of The Storyteller is on RootsWorld.
Here’s a video of the sextet with special guests Obo Addy and Kwaku Martin Obeng.
I Vintermørkets Hal
Zenobia: I Vintermørkets Hal (2010)
This trio from Denmark put out their first record, Midnat, in 2008. I liked it primarily for the musicality of the players. On their second record, a collection of songs celebrating winter, Zenobia shows a lot of growth. I like both the material chosen and the arrangements better than what was on the last release. My full review of I Vintermørkets Hal is on RootsWorld and includes three tracks to listen to while you read. Additionally, Mette Kathrine Jensen, the group’s accordionist, has posted a Zenobia video on her YouTube channel.
Sofia Jannok
Sofia Jannok: Áššogáttis – By The Embers (2008)
The Sami singer Sofia Jannok has a stunning voice. The standout track on her 2009 release is an a cappella rendition of “Vuolvojávrri.” My review is on RootsWorld.
Trio THG
Trio THG: Tungen Ud Ad Vinduet (2008)
Two fiddlers and a guitarist play traditional Danish folk tunes. My review is on RootsWorld.
Serras
Serras: Ø (2009)
The Danish quintet Serras blends traditional Danish folk music, jazz, rock, and blues. My review is on RootsWorld.
Kefir Kvartet
Kefir Kvartet: Kefir (2007)
This Danish quartet mixes traditional Danish folk music with influences from India, Turkey, Greece, the Romani, and Los Angeles psychedelic rock. My review is on RootsWorld.
My Photos
