Phønix
20
Go’ Danish Folk Music GO 0710
Phønix were one of the first bands of the second Danish folk revival, starting life in 1990 and going through several line-ups since, with the most recent and excellent four-piece stable for several years now and producing some superb work, such as this collection’s lead-off track, the previously unlreleased Hvor Du Vender Dig. Several well-known Danish names have passed through the ranks, including fiddlers Harald Haugaard (in the very early days) and Kristine Heebøll, but two folk have anchored the group through its existence, accordionist Jesper Vinther and clarinettist/bass clarinettist Anja Præst Mikkelsen. There are several live tracks here, proof (if needed) that this is a band that can deliver the goods onstage, and with a real dynamism that’s the equal of any rock band (including obligatory percussion solo). As a primer, it’s an excellent guide to the group, who seem to be just getting into their stride after two decades.
Saturday 25 September 2010
Afenginn/Frank London
Afenginn are collaborating on a project with klezmer legend Frank London. Those at Womex last year might have seen their joint appearance (which was excellent). This is going to be part of the event known as Global Village DK/NY 2010. There will be performances in Denmark on November 4,5 and 6 (shame it’s not during Womex, but oh well).
This project has been sponsored by the Danish Cultural Ministry as part of its DANY project which seeks to foster artistic relations between Denmark and NY.
Given the way Afenginn has been spreading its musical wings in recent years – working with a choir, scoring a ballet, etc. – this promises to be a very interesting collaboration.
For those wondering what other Danish artists are collaborating with Americans, the answer is Dalia, Lelo Nika and Laila Skovmand, although no details on exactly what they’ll be doing.
This project has been sponsored by the Danish Cultural Ministry as part of its DANY project which seeks to foster artistic relations between Denmark and NY.
Given the way Afenginn has been spreading its musical wings in recent years – working with a choir, scoring a ballet, etc. – this promises to be a very interesting collaboration.
For those wondering what other Danish artists are collaborating with Americans, the answer is Dalia, Lelo Nika and Laila Skovmand, although no details on exactly what they’ll be doing.
Wednesday 1 September 2010
Pørtners Komplot
Pørtners Komplot
Oldefar På Tour
Go’ Danish Folk Music
The four piece known as Pørtners Komplot don’t surface often (this is their second full-length disc) but whenever they do it’s a joy. This CD is based in part on a music book that belonged to the great-grandfather of band member Johan Toftegaard Knudsen, but with a few diversions. They don’t try to recreate the old music. Instead they put their own spin on it. It’s still folk music without any doubt, and indubitably Danish. Boasting nine instruments between them, the quartet can inject different colours and textures. Throughout the play is inspired and joyful (Obo-Polka genuinely floats) and there are moment of wonderful grace, like Genglang Af Nr. 70/Novermbervals. But they can also be completely manic, as on the hopsa På Bjerget. That these are musicians familiar with dance music is beyond question. That they perform it all superbly and with plenty of joyful imagination is evident from a single listen. One of the brightest releases to come out of Denmark this year.
Oldefar På Tour
Go’ Danish Folk Music
The four piece known as Pørtners Komplot don’t surface often (this is their second full-length disc) but whenever they do it’s a joy. This CD is based in part on a music book that belonged to the great-grandfather of band member Johan Toftegaard Knudsen, but with a few diversions. They don’t try to recreate the old music. Instead they put their own spin on it. It’s still folk music without any doubt, and indubitably Danish. Boasting nine instruments between them, the quartet can inject different colours and textures. Throughout the play is inspired and joyful (Obo-Polka genuinely floats) and there are moment of wonderful grace, like Genglang Af Nr. 70/Novermbervals. But they can also be completely manic, as on the hopsa På Bjerget. That these are musicians familiar with dance music is beyond question. That they perform it all superbly and with plenty of joyful imagination is evident from a single listen. One of the brightest releases to come out of Denmark this year.
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