The Whole Music Experience

Anita Skorgan Pågyllen Grunn Kirkelig Kulturverksted The Norwegian label Kirkelig Kulturverksted has over several decades brought its audiences innovative projects.   These recording projects build bridges, exchange cultures, or bring Scandinavian folk songs into a contemporary environment.   Anita Skorgan’s Pågyllen Grunn brings together diverse musicians including the early music lute player Rolf Lislevand, a young trumpet player versed in Arabic music, Arve Henriksen, a global percussionist Helge Norbakken and electric guitarist Eivind Aarseth.   And you might wonder what the musicians could do with that eclectic set of instruments. From what I can tell from the press notes, (the liner notes and lyrics are all in Norwegian with no English translation), the ensemble of talented musicians recorded ten arranged folk songs (lyrics by KKV Founder Erik Hillestad) in the mausoleum of the late artist Emanuel Vigeland.   A large painting featuring the c...

Sevara Nazarkhan Tortadur Sevara Music   In 2003 I was introduced to the music of the Central Asian country Uzbekistan via a young folk-pop performer Sevara Nazarkhan.   I reviewed her Real World electronic album Yol Bolsin and felt enraptured by its exotic instruments, and snaky melodies and haunting stories. Then after enjoying that recording for a few months, I forgot about the doutar (Uzbek lute) player/songwriter/vocalist (granted I've reviewed 100s of albums since that time).   And in the background the musician recorded a total of 4 albums including her new independent folkloric recording Tortadur performed on all acoustic instruments.    Her newest recording featuring Uzbek folksongs, some dating back to medieval times, played on traditional instruments features old world musicians.   In fact, the press release beat me to the punch by comparing these elder musicians to the Cuban Buena Vista Social Club.   Here again you h...