Hi all-
I'm perched on the balcony at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, catching the first act of tonight's three-band "Northern Realms" show, Waltz with Me (members Annbjorg Lien, Bruce Molsky, Mats Eden, and Christine Hanson). The Lotus Web site describes the band as the "brainchild of Norwegian Hardanger fiddle virtuoso" Lien, and incorporates bluegrass, Celtic and Swedish fiddle to create a sort of graceful yet epic tone. Actually, it kind of reminds me of the happier, more upbeat scenes from "Braveheart," disregarding the whole prima nocta thing and all. And yes, I do know there is a huge difference between Swedish fiddle and Scottish freedom, but Waltz with Me also uses Celtic stuff, too. So there.
Anyway, Lien is kind of mesmerizing me right now with her mad fiddling and singing in presumably a Norse language. I might also note that she has some very cool-looking boots on. If I had to make a relative comparison to get you to understand what these melodies sound like, she would be like a Norwegian Allison Krause. Yeah, that's a good comparison. Later (if my rough academic schedule permits), I'll upload a clip from the band's demo CD, in addition to the other bands playing tonight to give you a taste of Scandinavia.
Although I won't be around for Julie Fowlis and Frigg tonight, I've heard their demos and am really excited to listen to Fowlis' Gaelic songs and Frigg's Finnish & Norwegian string band tomorrow night.
-Chelsea Merta
