Göran Månsson
Mon
Nordic Tunes (www.goranmansson.se)

Göran Månsson is a pioneer in using various kinds of flutes and pipes in Swedish folk music in unique ways. On Mon, Månsson presents what is really a duo recording, with Vasen's Roger Tallroth offering 4, 6, 11 and 12-stringed guitars, a bouzouki and electric bass on almost all of the tracks. The experimental flute playing of Månsson is fascinating and his approach is unique and fresh, presenting a great openness for the Swedish folk music he plays. There are influences from jazz and he does not restrict himself to playing the tunes they way they were written. Guest percussionist Petter Berndalen shares Månsson's playful ideal and together they make fun and exciting "experiments" with the rhythm and melody on a traditional polska. This quality is always there in Månsson's music, but on this track it is especially clear. What distinguishes Mon from other folk music albums is the complexity of the music. With the use of many different kinds of flutes and guitars, Månsson and Tallroth create a unusually rich sonic landscape. Månsson's phrasing gives the music a light, airy quality and the instruments sound beautiful. This is not an easy-listening Swedish folk album (sometimes the music seems to lack firm direction or meaning) but it does have many moments that are inspired and exciting. - Staffan Jonsson

CD available from cdRoots

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