Live at the Nordic Roots Festival [Live]

Vasen | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 13, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Label: Northside Records
• ASIN: B00005R5LN
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #325,156 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #93 in Music > World Music > Europe > Scandinavia > General

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Väsen takes the ancient melodies and rhythms of their native Sweden and gooses them up with a canny mix of jazzy harmony and rock and roll energy. And on Live at the Nordic Roots Festival, the roars of approval from the crowd show it appreciates the band's near-perfect synthesis of old and new. The 10 tracks, which include compositions from each of the four band members, feature inspiring displays of instrumental virtuosity, particularly from nyckelharpa master Olov Johansson. On every selection he skillfully meshes the haunting, archaic drone of his instrument with the more contemporary sounds of Mikael Marin's viola, Roger Tallroth's guitar, and the eclectic drumming of André Ferrari. As an extra treat, Väsen shares the stage with the Norwegian fiddler Annbjorg Lien on the Tallroth-written "Dragos" and with Harv fiddlers Magnus Stinnerbom and Daniel Sanden-Warg on a medley of traditional Swedish dance tunes. Väsen's blend of medieval and modern honors the music of the past, even as it redefines the traditional. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vasen Live at the Nordic Roots Festival, December 16, 2001

By 

Craig Williamson (South Portland, ME USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Live at the Nordic Roots Festival (Audio CD)

This is a terrific CD. The energy of a live performance has added even more depth to Vasen than in their previous CDs. All four musicians stand out equally on this recording. They get so much sound from acoustic instruments that you'll have to remind yourself there are only four members in the band. This CD has particularly fantastic versions of Shapons Vindaloo and Nittl Pomfritti. If you have ever seen Vasen perform live you know that something happens which cannot happen in a studio recording. When they perform, they play as one mind, not four. Vasen is truly one of the most together bands anywhere, playing any kind of music. This live CD is the next best thing to hearing Vasen in person.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Because it's Vasen, January 23, 2002

By 

Kenny b Natural - See all my reviews

This review is from: Live at the Nordic Roots Festival (Audio CD)

I like this and I think it's well recorded yet, nothing on it outshines the previous 2 discs that most of these tunes come from, for me. I bought it because I must own everything they ever do. And it's very enjoyable. There are some guests on here like Harv and Annebjorg Lien and those are sweet endeavors indeed. This was a nice holiday gift to myself and fit that mood to a tee. This is the most astounding band to enter my auditory canal in a long time. Maybe since Henry Threadgill (different style altogether but, equally uplifting and awe-inspiring).Kenny b Natural says, BUY! Send to loved one as gift.