Musiche dal Mondo: Scandinavia - Suoni dal Grande Nord (2001)

A great collection of modern Scandinavian folk, featuring some of the most representative artists in the genre.

Gjallarhorn are from the Swedish-speaking area of Finland, and as a result their lyrics are sung in Swedish (as opposed to Finnish, as one might expect of a Helsinki-based band). Although fairly traditional, the band does incorporate ethnic percussion instruments (from all different areas of the world) into their music, and uses a didgeridoo as their drone instrument (most bands use either hurdy-gurdy or Swedish bagpipes). This has gained Gjallarhorn some appeal among world music connoisseurs.

Hedningarna’s music is largely planted in Finnish tradition (even though the band itself is actually from Sweden), and is among the most rock-influenced of the Scandinavian folk bands. Hedningarna has also been around for quite some time, having released their first album in 1988. Compared to Garmarna and Sorten Muld, the band usually has a brighter, more cheerful sound. Hedningarna has been substantially influenced by rock bands such as Jethro Tull.

Värttinä is a Finnish band, playing a variety of Finnish folk and folk-inspired music. Their music consists mainly of several female voice parts, as well as accordion, kantele, bass, wind and percussion.

Other featured artists: Wimme, Väsen, Kimmo Pohjonen, Nychelarporkestern, Lena Willemark, Frifot, Maria Kalaniemi & Aldargaz, JPP, Markku Lepisto, Pekka Lehti, Swap and Slobo Horo.

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Riddu Riđđu 1991-2001 (2001)

«Every summer in the far north of Norway, in the land of the midnight sun north of the Arctic Circle, a unique music and culture festival is held in the municipality of Gáivuotna (Kåfjord), a few hours drive from the city of Tromsø. This festival, called Riddu Riđđu (which means, roughly, “storm off the water”), celebrates the music and culture of the Sami, the indigenous people of northern Scandinavia, and of other indigenous peoples of the world.» (Read more)

«For 10 years the Riddu Riđđu Festival has featured the culture of the Sami and other Northern Peoples. In 2001 Riddu Riđđu celebrates its 10^th anniversary. To mark this jubilee we have gathered musical highlights from past festivals. All tracks are live recordings from Riddu Riđđu, and are published by kind permission of the artists.» (From the liner notes)

Featured artists: Hedningarna, Wimme, Chirgilchin, Sara Marielle Gaup, Mari Boine, Sirmania, Sabjilar, Tiina Sanila, Elvel, Per Ivars Orkester, Namgar Lkhasaranova & others.

Thanx to Giuliano for this post.

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Możdżer Danielsson Fresco - Between Us and the Light (2006)

Another sparkling gem in Leszek Możdżer’s rich catalogue, Between Us and the Light (which, as far as I know, despite its English title has been published only in Poland) sees the Polish piano genius in a jazz trio context, alongside Swedish bassist and cellist Lars Danielsson and Israeli percussionist Zohar Fresco. Like the previous album of this exciting trio (2005’s The Time), Between Us and the Light has garnered double platinum award in Poland. It’s not difficult to understand why. Highly recommended.

L-R: Lars Danielsson, Leszek Możdżer, Zohar Fresco

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