Baba Yaga

Annbjorg Lien

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 22, 2000)
• Original Release Date: February 22, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Northside Records
• ASIN: B000035X2W
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #202,302 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Those familiar with Annbjørg Lien's previous records, as well as her work with Bukkene Bruse, are in for a surprise. Baba Yaga is a quantum leap of imagination, still with a heart in the tradition, but with everything else firmly in the future. The melodies are impressionistic and far less obvious, and the arrangements give more than a nod to what's been happening in electronic music (as well as to the past--there's a hint of ELP at one point). The music takes in influences from Mozambique to Samiland and mixes them up in the potent cauldron of Lien's imagination. Her playing is better than ever, from subtle runs to pure fire, the technique stunning. But it's the musical mind behind Baba Yaga that impresses more than anything; Lien has rocketed into the first division of Nordic music with this disc. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars ...talent abound for this Norwegian sensation, June 7, 2002

By	David (Spruce Grove, AB Canada) - See all my reviews

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good. A new approach., May 24, 2000

By	Jeff Peyton (Champaign, IL.) - See all my reviews

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.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A vibrant gem, October 24, 2000

By	Ed Photographer "edphotographer" (Northampton, PA USA) - See all my reviews

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.