Virvla [Enhanced]

Boot | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 12, 1999)
• Original Release Date: October 12, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Northside Records
• ASIN: B00001ZSTP
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #485,366 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

With all the smoke and flash of Swedish rock bands like Garmarna and Hedningarna, the ensemble Boot is a surprisingly simple and fresh concept. Ola Bäckström (from the group Swåp) contributes viola d'amore, bouzouki, and guitar; Hallbus Totte Mattsson (Hedningarna) adds lutes and other strings; and Björn Tollin (Hedningarna) backs it all up with innovative and often brilliantly understated percussion. The idea is to play dance music from Sweden, in all its variety, and to play it for dancers. These are not museum pieces; the songs are mostly traditional, but the rhythms are strong and reflect their broad world-view in the (mostly) subtle use of flamenco and Middle Eastern motifs. The delivery is aggressive and decidedly original, even on the more quiet and elegant pieces. Full of excellent tunes played with genuine spirit, Virvla is further enhanced by two CD-ROM videos to show you the dancers at work. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vanguards of the Nordic Invasion, April 18, 2001

By 

Douglas J. Page "Dug Fresh" (Schenectady, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Virvla (Audio CD)

A friend turned me on to Hedningarna and Garmarna, but Amazon turned me on to Boot and Sorten Muld, -- not to mention many others in this amazing Nordic Invasion! Some of it sounds influenced by Adrian Sherwood and the On-U Sound System, especially Hedningarna with it's heavy African Head Charge sounding rhythms, and Sorten Muld's delirious mixes, but Boot stands out for having these intense complicated arrangements that never lose their eerie dancible folkiness. I heartily recommend everything from Scandinavia you can get your hands on and there's plenty!!! Remember to check out Varttina as well - in fact, if you're new to your Nordic Roots, I recommend the Nordic Roots and Nordic Roots 2 samplers - a great bargain! Thanks Amazon, for keeping it fresh.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Northern mystical joy!, October 2, 2000

By 

Peter Blue (Oneonta, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Virvla (Audio CD)

Like the northern lights, this album gets your attention and keeps it until it unexpectedly ends. Grounded in the essence of dance, imbued with the moody beauty of Northern music, flowing and turning. The ancient in a modern setting.

The cover implies a connection with the turning Sufi mystics; and it's true - beautiful haunting melodies and a beat that invites the feet to move... Get this one, and a partner, and dance!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Visualize whirled swedes., September 22, 2007

By 

trad fan (Scotland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Virvla (Audio CD)

I've started listening to this disc again, after wandering further into Swedish music. This is a gem. It has a lightness that's not common in Scandinavian trad, and without sacrificing quality.

The musicianship is superb. Fans of Irish, Scottish, Breton and Galician trad will probably take to this one readily. An excellent place to start for those new to the tradition and a delightful change of pace for experienced ears.