Search - Various Artists, Henry Kaiser, David Lindley :: Sweet Sunny North

Kaiser & Lindley do for Norway what they did for Madagascar

woburnmusicfan | Woburn, MA United States | 06/04/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After guitarists Kaiser and Lindley introduced the Western world to the music of Madagascar with the "World Out of Time" compilation series, they wanted to try the same format in another country with distinct musical styles. The result was a 3-week 1994 visit to Norway with a digital recorder, during which they recorded a variety of Norwegian musicians, sometimes playing along with them. Norwegian music shares with Celtic music a love of fiddles, and reels with unexpectedly fluid time signatures. But it also has tunings that we normally associate with the Middle and Near East (which Lindley sometimes accentuates by accompanying on bouzouki or saz). Deepika's "Names" combines Norwegian and Pakistani sounds, and they fit together comfortably. My favorite cuts are by the big band Chateau Neuf Spelemannslag (I strongly recommend their "Stolen Goods" CD). As with the "World" CDs, you get introductions to native instruments, like the hardanger fiddle (with extra sympathetic strings that resonate when the right note is played) and the dulcimer-like langeleik. Annbjorg Lien's hardanger fiddle is paired with the horns of the Brazz Brothers to great effect on two cuts. There are 28 tracks here, several only a couple of minutes long. I heartily recommend the "Sweet Sunny North" CDs and the NorthSide label's "Nordic Roots" series to anyone who wants an introduction to Scandinavian music."

Northern Sounds

Greg Pylant | Lake Oswego, Oregon United States | 02/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an wonderful recording. I had no idea how much Norway's folk music sounds similar to bluegrass and deep south folk. Every once in a while you can pick out Mr Dave playing, which is always a treat. Although this is a very unusual type of music, some of the musical beat defies explaining, it is very enjoyable to listen. I find myself putting this on the CD player all the time. Enjoy!"

Not as good, but...

Hank Schwab | Indianapolis, IN USA | 04/08/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"OK, these aren't as successful as the Madagascar albums, but there is still enough here to entertain and enlighten. I especially like the Laplander chanting."