Mystics from the Nature

Nana has a lot to offer. Thursday also the first performance from Vajas.

A cooperation between Kristin Mellem, Ánde Somby and Bel Cantos Nils Johansen becomes a meeting between yoik, traditional story telling and technological rhythms. And Mellems fiddle with roots in Norwegian traditional folk music.

We are taken in to an exciting journey. There is a taste of nature, mystery - and humor. Fortunately for me who doesn't understand saami, Somby recited the texts in Norwegian both before and between the pieces. Pieces that the three musicians on the stage perform with a great deal of imagination and care. On a carpet of Johansens sober elektronica; not loud but still playful - for example who have ever thought about sampling a crow? - Somby almost talks more than he yoiks and sings. A very special way to perform music, but it works very well. Very much because of Mellems very advanced fiddle playing that is very tight on and drives the vocal ahead. She also has a very nice voice. One more positive surprise that evening.

Despite exciting music; I would have wished even more playfulness and courage. There is so much in so advanced musicians - and I have a feeling of that this is just the start to something very characteristic and special. Vajas is best when they drive on with some punch and tempo. As when they yoik The Pub crow and The Baron of Peace Ole D. Mjøs. Very good timing if we think about the moment we are in.

An absolutely successful first performance.

Ulla Pirttijärvi er en musiker man umiddelbart får stor respekt for. Sammen med Frode Fjelheim har man en kraftduo egnet til å ta salen med storm.

Men et tidvis uopdragent publikum ble bare mer og mer støyende utover i konserten - snakk om å kaste perler for svin! Fylleskråle kan man like gjerne gjøre hjemme i stua eller på bygdefest spør du meg, ikke når man betaler penger for å få med seg en konsert. Det vitner om liten respekt for medpublikum og musikere.

Heldigvis lot ikke musikerne seg merke med bråket, og ga de interesserte i salen (det var flere av dem, det skal sies) et smekkert kraftfullt sett. Ulla har en egen evne til å joike seg inn i sjelen på en - og de gangene Frode bruker stemmen, får man omtrent frysninger. Men til tross for Fjelleims støe komp, gjør joikene seg enda bedre med fullt band i ryggen - som under Riddu i sommer. Her var det hakket mer neddempet, uten at det største drivet forsvinner.