Ridmarsch Efter Bohlin - Olov Johansson, Traditional
Fullträffen (The Direct Hit) 1:43 - Olov Johansson, Johansson, Olov
Bjernulfs Bröllopspolska - Olov Johansson, Johansson, Olov
Två Ståbilåtar (Two Ståbi Tunes) - Olov Johansson,
Ockelbogubbarnas Favoritpolska (The Codgers from Ockelbo's ...) - Olov Johansson,
Vals Efter Erlandsson - Olov Johansson, Traditional
Erik Bohllins Brudpolska - Olov Johansson, Traditional
Skållat Troll (Scalded Troll) - Olov Johansson, Traditional
Polska Efter Strutz-Gustaf - Olov Johansson, Traditional Johanss
Storsvarten (The Big Black One) - Olov Johansson, Traditional
Sjöankans Vals (The Sea Duck's Waltz) - Olov Johansson, Johansson, Olov
Alvaringen - Olov Johansson, Johansson, Olov
Carl-Olov Adrenalins Polska - Olov Johansson, Johansson, Olov
Valbolåten (Valbo Tune) - Olov Johansson, Traditional
Schedins Brudpolska - Olov Johansson, Traditional
Stormyren (The Big Bog) - Olov Johansson, Sahlströ, Erik
Två Polskor Från Östa - Olov Johansson, Traditional
Vals Efter Kopparslagaren (Waltz After the Coppersmith) - Olov Johansson, Traditional
Polkett Efter Bohlin - Olov Johansson, Traditional
Toker (The Happy Gnome) - Olov Johansson, Johansson, Olov
Skålarna - Olov Johansson, Traditional
Svampmannen (The Mushroom Man) - Olov Johansson, Johansson, Olov
As a soloist, Olov Johansson has been making a name for himself as one of Sweden's great musicians. As a member of Vásen, he has also become one of the vanguard of the new folk movement. He plays the nyckelharpa, a un... more »iquely Swedish keyed fiddle that utilizes mid- to high-toned strings for melody and a steady drone of high, crystalline sympathetic strings for richness. On this "solo" recording he has gathered a diverse group of accompanists and chosen a varied set of material, from medieval ballads to some unusual original tunes. The set is pretty evenly split between solos and duets, with one quartet. Johansson works with some of his fellow Vásen members--Michael Marin and Roger Tallroth on a few tracks, and pipe organist Anders Bomander on one ecclesiastical piece. The closing quartet feature recorder, cello, and viola in a baroque original that is both regal and darkly menacing. Johansson is one of Sweden's most interesting composers and musicians, in or out of the tradition. --Louis Gibson« less
As a soloist, Olov Johansson has been making a name for himself as one of Sweden's great musicians. As a member of Vásen, he has also become one of the vanguard of the new folk movement. He plays the nyckelharpa, a uniquely Swedish keyed fiddle that utilizes mid- to high-toned strings for melody and a steady drone of high, crystalline sympathetic strings for richness. On this "solo" recording he has gathered a diverse group of accompanists and chosen a varied set of material, from medieval ballads to some unusual original tunes. The set is pretty evenly split between solos and duets, with one quartet. Johansson works with some of his fellow Vásen members--Michael Marin and Roger Tallroth on a few tracks, and pipe organist Anders Bomander on one ecclesiastical piece. The closing quartet feature recorder, cello, and viola in a baroque original that is both regal and darkly menacing. Johansson is one of Sweden's most interesting composers and musicians, in or out of the tradition. --Louis Gibson
CD Reviews
If John Coltrane played nickelharpa...
05/02/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Many probably already know Olov Johansson from his work with the well-known Swedish group Vasen. The primary difference here is that the majority of the cd is solo nyckelharpa and the majority of the tunes are traditional. This cd is among my favorite Swedish folk cds (right up there with Frifot's "Summersong" and Anders Norrude's "Himself"). Though most of the cd is solo nyckelharpa, some of the songs are duets featuring guitar, bouzouki, viola, or organ. Fans of the early Vasen recording "Essence" should really love this album as it lacks the precussion of the later Vasen albums and does feature fellow Vasen members Roger Tallroth (12-string guitar and bouzouki) and Mikael Marin (viola) on a few tracks. Organist/Pianist Anders Bromander also accompanies Olov on 2 tracks. In my humble and honest opinion, this cd is a quintessential recording of contemporary Swedish folk music and well worth the money. Fans of celtic and eastern european music may also really like it (if you like celtic/eastern european or even medieval music and haven't yet immersed yourself in Scandanavian folk music, well you're in for a real treat!!!) What are you waiting for?? BUY THIS!!!"
Track Listings (22) - Disc #1