Friday, November 18, 2011

CD Review: Einar Olav Larsen Trio's 'Lysblain'

Einar Olav Larsen Trio
Lysblain
Etnisk Musikklubb

The fiddling traditions of Norway are unparalleled. Einar Olav Larsen's playing ability is no exception. The music of Lysblain is wholly instrumental and features the works of Hilmar Alexandersen and Sturle Hallas on fiddle and piano, respectively. The moving tunes are spritely and steeped in tradition, but very contemporary in feel without all the showy effects of electronic or dance wizardry so common in modern pop or rock. These tunes are traditional waltzes, marches, polka, and vaudeville-type songs that echo an era from long ago. The piano accompaniment is somber, yet entirely necessary for the varied fiddle accompaniment. Einar might best be known from his work with the Finnish group, Frigg. Anyone interested in traditional fiddle music from Norway should look no further. ~ Matthew Forss

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