column
by Genevieve Williams
We're sliding into the dark of the year, which means that in my daily round, yours truly often heads to work a little after sunrise and comes back in the dark. By the time you all read this, darkness will have encroached a little more.
It's hard not to associate that with negativity, especially if you've had any exposure at all to the news recently. But there are other associations to make as Samhain draws near. Whatever your plans, I'm betting at least one of the CDs in this month's column will complement them nicely: we have passionate rock from Norway in the form of Gåte's Iselilja, gentle radiance from multi-instrumentalist Robin Bullock, old music from the New World from Mary Jane Lamond, a mixed bag of Danish folk music from Poul Lendal, and a new full-length album of upbeat Swedish folk from Harv.
Slick and Dark, But Not Dreary
A friend of mine turned me on to Gåte recently. I wish I could remember who it was, because I am so in love with this band. Hailing from Norway, they are the latest and edgiest of the many bands skating the line between traditional Scandinavian folk and more modern rock sounds. They've released several EPs, but their second full-length album, Iselilja (Warner Music Norway), just recently became available.
And what an album it is. If the tropes of gothy, dark-edged rock have started to sound a little tired to you, Iselilja will refresh your ears. It's partly due to the injection of traditional melodies, instruments, and arrangements that gives the music a real jolt, but beyond that, Gåte are just plain good. Lead singer Gunnhild Sundli has a fierce, full voice capable of real drama and dynamism, and her band mates are equally energetic and possessed of a high quality of musicianship. However, there's nothing mannered about Gåte, which is what sets this band apart from somewhat similar American acts like Evanescence. There's real, audible passion underlying this stuff, and a refreshing lack of self-consciousness. It's slick, but not overproduced, and dark, but not dreary or depressed. It is, in short, perfect for this time of year, and while I wouldn't necessarily suggest it for ritual use, if you're looking for something to spin for your Samhain party, seek no further.
As of this writing I have been unable to find any of Gåte's albums in the United States. However, Iselilja is available from Amazon.co.uk. If you're not sure whether you want to pay international shipping rates on my say-so, visit http://www.gaate.no/english/english.html, click on "Video," and play "Sjå Attende." If that doesn't persuade you, nothing will.
Celtic-Appalachian Blend
If you're looking for something a little less intense, Robin Bullock's The Enchanted Woods (Dancing Wolf Records) might be what you're after. Some of the music here is from Ireland and Scotland, but most hails from the region now inhabited by the greatest concentration of people of Celtic descent in the world: Appalachia. If you've ever heard the similarities between folk music of the British Isles and that of the Blue Ridge Mountains and western New England, you weren't imagining that connection. It's this connection that Bullock explores, albeit in a contemporary style that may be too smooth for some. If you're looking for raw edges, you won't find them here (see previous review for that). On the other hand, Bullock is a skilled instrumentalist who doesn't drown his material in sentiment and accords it the respect that it's due.
It's also refreshing to hear a musician in the Celtic
vein try on more American material. Several Celtic bands, particularly American
ones, have done this in recent years, and the results are often worthwhile. In
seeking the roots of a musical heritage, it's important not to ignore the
branches, and indeed Bullock has not, with material from the Alleghenies, the
Shenandoah region and the
Gaelic Delight
Speaking of old-style music from the
This is not to say that Stòras lacks interest. It has, instead, an emotional intimacy and expressive power born of the confidence to reinterpret traditional music without disassociating it from the cultural and artistic continuum from which it springs. There are reels and jigs, haunting airs and a good old-fashioned sing-along that winds up the album with a bit of fellowship and good cheer in the face of hardship -- in short, something for everyone fond of Gaelic music. Check local stores or try http://www.fusion3.com.
Danish Folk Blend
More of a mixed bag, in all the best ways, is Poul Lendal's Ønskebarn (GO' Danish Folk Music). Lendal is one of those veteran musicians who has worked with just about everyone and is now, finally, stepping out on his own. Every folk tradition has people like this, and when they decide to step to the forefront, it's often a gratifying experience because their years of work honing their skills have turned them into powerhouses.
As is the case here. Lendal is a fiddler and the fiddle is the most prominent instrument here, but a host of friends and family members, including Lendal's two daughters, make guest appearances and provide musical backup. The 22 songs, dances and ballads range from traditional tunes to recent compositions, with a sense of the history of this music woven throughout. Like all veteran musicians, Lendal knows that keeping things simple is often the best option, but he can also make the complicated sound quite easy. In his hands, every piece isn't merely a polska or a waltz, but fully and perceptibly itself.
Spring Comes Early
Finally, as promised and guaranteed to put a spring in your step, Harv is back with Polka Raggioso (NorthSide). If Gåte is the perfect accompaniment to the dark of the year, Harv is the perfect complement. When I reviewed their last full-length album for the Imbolc 2003 issue, Harv consisted mainly of duo Magnus Stinnerborn and Daniel Sandén-Warg, both fiddlers. They've added a few additional members and instruments, and while their sound remains fairly traditional, it's as lively and energetic as any rock ensemble. Some of it's quite danceable, too. Like the majority of Scandinavian folk music, it has just a wee bit of an edge underlying the generally cheerful proceedings, lending a dark tinge that adds depth and texture. While overall it's probably more suited to spring, if you're looking for something to go with a party, or could just do with some cheering up, Polka Raggioso is a great choice. As an added bonus, there's a bit of audible blues and maybe a wee bit of American folk in there, just enough that some of the tunes on Polka Raggioso will sound familiar even if you're not sure why.
Upcoming Shows of Note
The Tractor Tavern has three noteworthy shows coming soon: Jamie Laval October 30, the Red Elvises November 5 and Harry Manx November 10. La Guitara featuring Kaki King appears at the Triple Door November 16; Tudor Choir: American Folk Holidays will be at Seattle Town Hall November 25; Brothers of the Baladi will be at the Triple Door November 27; and Baltimore Consort performs at Seattle Town Hall December 23.
Genevieve Williams is a freelance writer and drummer living in Seattle. She can be reached at rimrun@drizzle.com with feedback, suggestions or recommendations. Local musicians and pagan groups are encouraged to submit material for review and show listings.
Copyright © 2006 by the article's author