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Ulrika Bodén
Rätt Nu Är Det På Tiden
Drone Music (www.drone.se)
Fans of Ranarim and Kalabra will recognize this name and voice. Bodén is one of the most sought-after vocalists in Swedish folk circles. On this, her sophomore release, she again mines the rich musical lode of her home county of Ångermanland. With Ranarim-mate Jens Engelbrecht on guitar, Anders Norudde on fiddles and flutes, and Mikael Augustsson on accordions, she gives these lilting songs a fresh, frank treatment. Bodén's supple soprano voice leaps back and forth between chest and head ranges with the nimble footing of a mountain goat. Her accompanists create a lacy fabric over a backing of drone that's just right under her transparent voice. Her own cittern playing is sparkling and tasteful.
The disc opens on a strong note, the title track arranged with a light sweep and some impressive halling-type vocals. A vintage recording of "Familjen Sikström" on accordion is followed by what, in less skilled hands, could be a hokey moment, the oom-pah laden "Mina Getter Å Mina Bockar." It's all good fun and treated without a trace of condescension. Norudde contributes his obligatory sälgflöjt solo, the spry "Sälgspolskan." The songs are short and sweet, never overstaying their welcome. She brings a whopping twenty-one tracks in under forty-five minutes, leaving the listener satisfied, feeling neither stiffed nor stuffed. - Peggy Latkovich
CD available from cdRoots
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