Customer Reviews

Baba Yaga

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I can't say enough about Annbjord's musical abilities in playing the Hardanger fiddle. After being with Bukkene Bruse and several recordings of her own, Baba Yaga would be her breakthrough. It was Norwegian traditional folk, celtic, jazz, electronic and avant garde all thrown into one big bowl with interesting results. A Mussorgsky concept based off of "Pictures At An Exhibition" movement, Baba Yaga a Russian witch taking on a Emerson, Lake and Palmer approach...tradition versus modern. If your dead set in something sounding as close to Annbjorg's previous works, you may be disappointed with Baba Yaga...I on the other hand was quite fascinated by it, Lien is opening herself up to new worlds. Listening to Aja for me was like listening to a Norwegian hoedown, throwing in a little chanting at the end for good measure...thats one song that you can literally feel her Hardanger fiddle, I'm in awe of her and her c.d.

I liked this CD...a lot. I am generally pretty much a purist in terms of trad. music, not too into electronic enhancement and New-Ageyness, but this one is exception. She is a very good traditional fiddler, as proven on earlier albums, and she uses this one as an opportunity to go off in her own direction. Unless you are a strict traditionalist, I would recommend this CD.

I bought "Baba Yaga" based on reviews and sound samples and the CD's terrific cover photo-- and I wasn't disappointed. Lien and her band meld touches of Tibetan chant, Eastern drone, and traditions I can't identify into an intriguing blend; the songs range from direct and lyrical to layered and hypnotic. I'm no fan of the fiddle, but Annbjorg's hardanger playing is refreshingly sophisticated and passionate. I listen to everything from Lou Reed to Loreena McKennitt, so I'm always on the lookout for music that transcends the ordinary while egaging the heart and soul. "Baba Yaga" delivers.

Annbjoerg expands her repertoire into electronic, Sami and African in this her most creative album to-date. Other reviews here describe this music adequately. In the interest of experimentation she even does a few vocals. She composed a larger share of this music than of most of her other works which suggests that this virtuoso has many adventures in store. Remember, she is only about 33 years old.

An intriguing, atmospheric fusion of pop and world music with traditional Norwegian fiddling. The artful compositions, by fiddler Annbjorg Lien, keyboardist Bjorn Ole Rasch, and guitarist Roger Tallroth, are all unique. Elements from Celtic, Sami and Mozambique musical traditions crop up here and there, as do bits of Latin chant and Middle Eastern percussion, in tracks ranging from darkly brooding soundscapes to lively dances. This is cool, intelligently crafted music that will neither bore nor disappoint! Other contributing musicians include drummer Rune Arnesen, wind player Hans Fredrik Jacobsen and a bona fide string quartet. For more Nordic fusion music, try the work of other Northside artists, such as Garmarna, Gjallarhorn, Hednigarna and Sorten Muld. For interesting, equally creative fusion music from a different culture, compare the music of Axiom of Choice.

Not so much New Age as Progressive Rock. This album reminded me of ELP, Yes, Gentle Giant and the like without really sounding like any of them (Well maybe a little like ELP on 'Wackidoo'). Ms. Lien blends traditional and modern extrordinarily well. The Sami yoik in the latter half of 'Ája' took a couple of listenings to fully appreciate (my wife still says 'What the hell IS that?' 'Kauto From Kautokeino,' I answer.) but I think it really works well, blending the Norwegian & Sami musical roots. I anxiously await Ms. Lien's next release - if it's half as good as 'Baba Yaga', it's a winner.

Annbjorg Lien is still young, and seems to want to explore new niches with each new cd. This one in some respects extends her work on the excellent "Prisme," extending into material deriving from outside cultures, and in some pieces to a new age-like setting. You can still appreciate her virtuosity, but the pace is broken by excursions into some rather strange atmospheres. I admit to not much caring for the vocal "enhancements," for example (in fact, one might even complain that they are downright irritating). If I were new to Lien's discography, I would go with her first two solo efforts (and work with Bukkene Bruse) over this one.

I bought this album because she was coming to the area and I wanted to know whether it would be worth attending, my own Norwegian roots, and my previous good experiences with Northside records, but I've got to say it's probably the weakest of the 10 or 11 CDs I own from that label. I don't exactly disagree with the "official" review above, I just like a little more oomph to my traditional music. This verges on the new-agey, lots more slow than fast moments, and while she clearly plays incredibly well she doesn't get too many chances to show off on these tracks. It's good enough, you should just know what you're getting in to when you buy it.

I didn't end up going to the concert.