Thursday 3 March 2011

Habbadám

Habbadám
Still Young
Go’ Danish Folk Music GO1510

The second outing from Danish trio Habbadám find them widening their scope from the island of Bornholm. With a lineup of fiddle/vocals, guitar/harmonica/jews harp/vocals and soprano and alto saxes/vocals, their coloring is a little different from many outfits, but it all works together so well, in large part because there’s a great deal of sympathy and empathy between the musicians. That both songs and instrumentals come out of this with flying colours is a testament to the quality of the group, and their originals carry real power, especially the solo guitar piece "Til Maren-Jette" from Sigurd Hockings. He’s an understated player, and it’s only on close listening that you realise just how good he is, and how subtle all the musicians are. They bring in guests very sparingly. With this disc, coming after many gigs, they seem to have found the ideal balance, while sticking keeping one foot firmly in their Bornholm roots. There’s real excitement in the music and yes, youthfulness, too. Danish music of the very highest order.