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  Vasen
Trio (NorthSide)
Swedish folk-roots group Vasen now appears with two lineups, the original
trio formed in 1989 by nyckelharpa player Olov Johansson, viola player Mikael
Marin and guitarist Roger Tallroth as well as, the quartet with percussionist
Andre Ferrari (1996).
Trio, appropriately titled marks a minimalist setup that offers
complex musical arrangements in which the instruments are seamlessly interwoven
into an aural tapestry. And like other groups that honor Swedish folk music such
as Frifot, the songs on Trio also feature waltzes, polkas and even a wedding
march composed for "a couple that desperately wanted to get married," (The
Ulfsunda Wedding March). While Frifot (another trio) spotlights fiddler Lena
Willemark's illustrious vocal talents, Vasen's focus often falls on to the
nyckelharpa, a traditional Swedish instrument performed by the champion player,
Johansson. That's not to say that Marin and Tallroth's talents aren't
appreciated since the synergy between guitar, viola and nyckelharpa as well as,
the three performers seen on the CD ROM live performance (enhanced CD) create an
atmosphere of sheer delight and innovative musicianship. After all the music
they compose and perform is nothing short of a brain teaser.
In the past, when I saw photographs of the group, I would notice their stern
facial expressions further enhanced by black somber clothing. My initial thought
at the time was that I would be listening to music composed by sons of pastors
and farmers with the Protestant work ethic tossed in for good measure. However,
Vasen's music often explores whimsical territory. Take for instance the gleeful
wink and nod, Play Tag in Church or any of the valentines (tributes) to friends
and family members that appear on Trio. Johansson composed Clara's Waltz as a
lullaby for his daughter. Tallroth wrote Fiddler's Trap for one of his guitar
students as well as, Tuning Bug to check the tuning on his guitar (he plays a 12
string guitar). Many of the songs range from lyrical pastoral to lively toe-tappers.
And upon each listen, the beauty of the songs seep out little by little until
listener's ears surrender to their magic.
And despite all the enchantment, I find myself drawn to the nyckelharpa. It
is one of the most striking Scandinavian instruments next to the Norwegian
Hardanger fiddle (hardingfele). Also called the keyed fiddle, the nyckelharpa
slightly resembles the hurdy-gurdy (another instrument that has found a home in
Scandinavian music), but the strings on the nyckelharpa are bowed instead of
played with a wheel and crank system. And the melody is played on a series of
keys, something both instruments have in common. Sympathetic strings and a drone
string create a buzzing sound, but unlike the hurdy-gurdy, the nyckelharpa
sounds more like a fiddle than bagpipes. In the expert hands of Johansson, the
nyckelharpa transforms into a musical treasure chest further embellished by
Tallroth's guitar/bouzouki and Marin's 5-string viola.
For information about Vasen's US tour and the CD,
www.noside.com. Also look for an interview
with Vasen on Cranky Crow World Music.
(Compliments of Cranky Crow World Music).
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