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  Frigg
Frigg (NorthSide NSD6079, 2004)
Sharing a name with the Nordic goddess, Frigg, this septet marries Norwegian
Hardanger fiddle with Finnish folk fiddling traditions. Frigg combines the
talents of two sons and a daughter of the infamous Jarvela fiddling clan who
founded the Finnish folk group,
JPP and two Larsen brothers of Norway's
Hardanger fiddle clan. Hailing from Finland's Kaustinen region (the de facto
folk music capital of Finland), most famous for its international music festival
and folk music talent, Frigg's repertoire includes Norwegian halling, Finnish
folk and American bluegrass, but you can also find a couple of chamber pieces
thrown in for good measure that recall
Maria
Kalaniemi & Aldargaz's recordings.
Yet, that shouldn't come as a surprise since members of Aldargaz comprise JPP
and the musicians are regular fixtures in the Kaustinen music community.
The musicians that comprise Frigg include, Alina Jarvela (fiddle), Esko Jarvela
(viola, fiddle, nyckelharpa, harmonium), group leader Antti Jarvela (double
bass, fiddle, viola, harmonium), Gjermund Larsen (fiddle, Hardanger fiddle),
Einar-Olov (fiddle, Hardanger fiddle), Petri Prauda (cittern, mandolin) and
Tuomas Logren (guitar, dobro). Guest musicians include, a touted architect of
the Finnish folk music revival, Timo Alakotila (grand piano), Rami Eskelinen
(drums), Janne Tovikoski (percussion) and Antti Paalanen (2-row accordion).
Together these musicians weave a tapestry, that is heavy on Nordic fiddle and
embellished by American bluegrass twang.
Saro, Meltaus and Ril resemble an American hoe down, although a sedate cousin to
the Appalachian variety. Eraana Kauniina
Paivana falls into dreamy territory with its lyrical phrasing. Kotkampaa blends
gorgeous Nordic fiddling with guitar twang with some amazing lifts and twists
tossed into the mix. The chamber piece, Salmetone recalls both the Kronos
Quartet and Aldargaz. While various musical influences can be heard throughout
the recording, Antilope Island, as well as, Takomistanssi/Ruunankummi are
excellent examples of Finnish folk fiddle tradition. A bulk of the songs were
composed by Antti Jarvela. Four of the thirteen tracks are traditional while the
remainder of tracks were composed by other members of the septet. Obviously with
so much budding musical and composing talent, the next generation of Nordic folk
music looks promising.
Hopefully, Finnish youth will stop turning their eyes towards American
television programs and pop stars for inspiration and instead look in their own
backyard, overripe with innovative folk music superstars.
Compliments of Cranky Crow World Music.
Buy Frigg.
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