Triptyk Atrium / Warner Music The Swedes seem to be developing a strong "folk music as art music" faction in the last few years, with Möller and Willemark's Norden projects on ECM leading the way. This trio is heading in the same direction while holding very close to the traditional roots. All are noted musicians in Sweden and these days, the world. Ola Bäckström is an acknowledged master of the folk fiddle. Johan Hedin has been making waves with both his innovative solo work on the nyckelharpa (key fiddle) and as a composer in wide-ranging bands like Bazar Bla. Saxophonist Jonas Knutsson is known for straight ahead and experimental jazz and pop, and also for ground breaking "newly composed folk music" in Sweden. This is a remarkable recording, comprised mostly of original compositions. Many sound deeply traditional, as if they were unearthed from an old library in Darlana, but others are rightly innovative, showing subtle signs of jazz and classical music, surprising turns of timing and unusual phrasing. Their ethereal "Psalm 199" takes an old Swedish melody and turns it into an ambient journey, while "Yrsno" uses terse, structured dance rhythms to generate its spark. All but one piece (the dramatic "Trägudars Land," which features some percussion) are trio pieces for saxophone, nyckelharpa and fiddle only, and the tight, intuitive playing of this trio never seems strained or produced. Brilliant musicianship and intelligent arrangements make this a significant addition to the Swedish "new folk" catalog. - CF
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