Those familiar with Annbjørg Lien's previous records, as well as her work with Bukkene Bruse, are in for a surprise. Baba Yaga is a quantum leap of imagination, still with a heart in the tradition, but with everything... more » else firmly in the future. The melodies are impressionistic and far less obvious, and the arrangements give more than a nod to what's been happening in electronic music (as well as to the past--there's a hint of ELP at one point). The music takes in influences from Mozambique to Samiland and mixes them up in the potent cauldron of Lien's imagination. Her playing is better than ever, from subtle runs to pure fire, the technique stunning. But it's the musical mind behind Baba Yaga that impresses more than anything; Lien has rocketed into the first division of Nordic music with this disc. --Chris Nickson« less
Those familiar with Annbjørg Lien's previous records, as well as her work with Bukkene Bruse, are in for a surprise. Baba Yaga is a quantum leap of imagination, still with a heart in the tradition, but with everything else firmly in the future. The melodies are impressionistic and far less obvious, and the arrangements give more than a nod to what's been happening in electronic music (as well as to the past--there's a hint of ELP at one point). The music takes in influences from Mozambique to Samiland and mixes them up in the potent cauldron of Lien's imagination. Her playing is better than ever, from subtle runs to pure fire, the technique stunning. But it's the musical mind behind Baba Yaga that impresses more than anything; Lien has rocketed into the first division of Nordic music with this disc. --Chris Nickson
CD Reviews
A vibrant gem
Ed Photographer | Northampton, PA USA | 10/24/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I bought "Baba Yaga" based on reviews and sound samples and the CD's terrific cover photo-- and I wasn't disappointed. Lien and her band meld touches of Tibetan chant, Eastern drone, and traditions I can't identify into an intriguing blend; the songs range from direct and lyrical to layered and hypnotic. I'm no fan of the fiddle, but Annbjorg's hardanger playing is refreshingly sophisticated and passionate. I listen to everything from Lou Reed to Loreena McKennitt, so I'm always on the lookout for music that transcends the ordinary while egaging the heart and soul. "Baba Yaga" delivers."
...talent abound for this Norwegian sensation
David | Spruce Grove, AB Canada | 06/07/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I can't say enough about Annbjord's musical abilities in playing the Hardanger fiddle. After being with Bukkene Bruse and several recordings of her own, Baba Yaga would be her breakthrough. It was Norwegian traditional folk, celtic, jazz, electronic and avant garde all thrown into one big bowl with interesting results. A Mussorgsky concept based off of "Pictures At An Exhibition" movement, Baba Yaga a Russian witch taking on a Emerson, Lake and Palmer approach...tradition versus modern. If your dead set in something sounding as close to Annbjorg's previous works, you may be disappointed with Baba Yaga...I on the other hand was quite fascinated by it, Lien is opening herself up to new worlds. Listening to Aja for me was like listening to a Norwegian hoedown, throwing in a little chanting at the end for good measure...thats one song that you can literally feel her Hardanger fiddle, I'm in awe of her and her c.d."
Pretty good. A new approach.
Jeff Peyton | Champaign, IL. | 05/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I liked this CD...a lot. I am generally pretty much a purist in terms of trad. music, not too into electronic enhancement and New-Ageyness, but this one is exception. She is a very good traditional fiddler, as proven on earlier albums, and she uses this one as an opportunity to go off in her own direction. Unless you are a strict traditionalist, I would recommend this CD."
Lien breaks out
Margie Kirschbaum | Arlington, VA | 11/10/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Annbjoerg expands her repertoire into electronic, Sami and African in this her most creative album to-date. Other reviews here describe this music adequately. In the interest of experimentation she even does a few vocals. She composed a larger share of this music than of most of her other works which suggests that this virtuoso has many adventures in store. Remember, she is only about 33 years old."
Neo-traditional Nordic fiddling with a beat and an edge
Brianna Neal | USA | 10/02/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"An intriguing, atmospheric fusion of pop and world music with traditional Norwegian fiddling. The artful compositions, by fiddler Annbjorg Lien, keyboardist Bjorn Ole Rasch, and guitarist Roger Tallroth, are all unique. Elements from Celtic, Sami and Mozambique musical traditions crop up here and there, as do bits of Latin chant and Middle Eastern percussion, in tracks ranging from darkly brooding soundscapes to lively dances. This is cool, intelligently crafted music that will neither bore nor disappoint! Other contributing musicians include drummer Rune Arnesen, wind player Hans Fredrik Jacobsen and a bona fide string quartet. For more Nordic fusion music, try the work of other Northside artists, such as Garmarna, Gjallarhorn, Hednigarna and Sorten Muld. For interesting, equally creative fusion music from a different culture, compare the music of Axiom of Choice.
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1