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  | KARIN KROG ~ FOLKWAYS
MEANTIME 16 (Barcode: 7051070000165) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1996 - 2009 Released: 2010
This is a stunning album by iconic Norwegian vocalist Karin KrogFind albums by this artist, accompanied by British saxophonist John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Swedish violinist Mads BerglundFind albums by this artist and Norwegian oboist Brynjar HoffFind albums by this artist. The album presents nineteen tracks, most of which are Norwegian folk songs arranged by Krog, except for one original composition by Surman, which appears twice. The music was recorded at two separate sessions, thirteen years apart, by Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist, most probably at the Rainbow Studio in Oslo, although the information on the artwork is exceptionally skimpy.
The music on this album is completely different from all the other recordings by Krog, which are mostly Jazz oriented and on which she sings in English. Here she deals mostly with Norwegian Folk songs and sings in Norwegian.
Of course the arrangements do have a strong Jazz tinge, and Surman’s playing is all one way or another connected to improvisation. Since most of the tracks are Krog / Surman duets, this album might have been one more duo album by them, but the tracks with the two other guests sets it apart. One might speculate that one of the session was that with Surman, and the other session was with Berglund and Hoff? I must ask Karin about this ;)
But mystery apart, musically the album is absolutely stunning and has been one of my favorite recordings by Krog (and Surman) since the day I heard it first. The music is unpretentious, intimate and reflects the perfect balance and telepathic communication between the musicians. It is a perfect example of Jazz-World Fusion amalgamation, which could be a school example of how such things are done at their best.
Overall, this is an absolute brilliant album from start to finish, deeply moving and superbly musical. The amalgam of Folk music and Jazz is presented here at its absolute best and the result is simply irresistible. An absolute must!
| | Updated: 13/05/2022Posted: 13/05/2022 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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