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Jonas Knutsson + Johan Norberg: Skaren: Norrland III
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Skaren: Norrland III moves the series in a new direction with the addition of bassist Eva Kruseheard on the dark-hued and more jazz-centric [em]3 (ACT, 2008)and, most significantly, Northern Sweden's female vocal quartet, Kraja. ACT label head Siggi Loch's serendipitous discovery of these four singersLisa and Eva Lestander, Frida Johansson and Linnea Nilssonparallels the artistic suggestions made by ECM's Manfred Eicher, taking the Knuttson/Norberg duo to an entirely new level.
Combining traditional tunes, arranged by various members of the septet, and original material by Knutsson, Norberg and Kruse (individually and collectively), it's often difficult to differentiate between the two, so deeply ingrained is the cultural ethos in the players. Norberg's use of the dulcimer-like kantele on the gently rhythmic "Resan," ethereal "Guoika" and haunting closer, "Vaggsang," draw a clear line between the Scandinavian tradition and the folk music of Ireland and Scotland. On guitar, Norberg's use of altered tunings links him to traditional players including Martin Simpson and Martin Carthy.
Knutsson's ability to soar over Norberg and Kruse's foundation on the buoyant Bavarian "Schwarzer Bua" and Norberg's bright title track, recalls Paul McCandless' more lyrical work with Oregon, although the harmonic world of Skaren is far more direct. Still, Knutsson and Norberg are skilled players who subtly stretch the boundaries of their tradition.
Kraja adds depth and a timeless quality that, at times, is reminiscent of Jan Garbarek's work with the Hilliard Ensemble on Officium (ECM, 1994); but with musical references from a folk rather than classical tradition, there's a levity that contrasts strongly with Officium's more profound gravitas. When Kraja sings a capella, as on the slightly melancholy "Majas Polska," the tranquil yet majestic "Nar jag om morgonen uppstar" and uplifting "Den signade dag," it brings a soft beauty to Skaren, where the four voices' lush warmth augments and juxtaposes with Knutsson's slightly tart tone.
The folkloric Skaren: Norrland III, with its sincere pursuit of the emotional resonance of the simplest melody and an ability to shed light on occasional darkness, may seem an oddity in the ACT catalog. Ultimately, however, it lends the label a limitless stylistic reach that transcends categories to simply find music that touches the head and heart, the body and spirit.
Track Listing
Schwarzer Bua; Majas Polska; Skaren; Nar jag om morgonen uppstar; Resan; Pelle in I lia; Lyckan; Vore du ett blad; Akallan; Guoika; Villvassvisan; Skogen; Den signade dag; Vaggsang.
Personnel
Jonas Knutsson
saxophoneJonas Knutsson: saxophones; Johan Norberg: Sanden guitar VRB-c (1997), Levin Schoolguitar (1934), kantele; Eva Kruse: bass; Kraja: Lisa Lestander : vocals; Eva Lestander: vocals; Frida Johansson: vocals; Linnea Nilsson: vocals.
Album information
Title: Skaren: Norrland III | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: ACT Music
Comments
About Jonas Knutsson
Instrument: Saxophone
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