The nyckelharpa is a unique Swedish instrument – part Hurdy Gurdy, part sitar, part violin, and distant harmonic cousin of the bagpipes. PETER HEDLUND has played, taught and proselytised the nyckelharpa for years, and here he assembles an eclectic group of other musicians and instruments to accompany his traditional and contemporary tunes.
Rhythmically and melodically the music will connect with anyone who knows the English and Scottish tunes used in country dancing, or maybe with the Appalachian songs that came back round to us via New York folk music or bluegrass country tunes. Unexpectedly one of the co-operating instruments in this project is the dobro – played by a Frankie Lane. Guitar, bass, drums, recorder, cello, uilleann pipes, pipe organ and more besides, add colour and (even more important) the ideas and creative gifts of other dedicated musicians.
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There’s no doubt that this is a collector’s item. I will file my copy along with some Swedish/English fiddle playing from TALEI EDWARDS and EMMA REID which I like very much and which I bring out on special occasions. HEDLUND'S music has a serious sort of smile on its countenance, and gives pleasure without arousing excitement or yeehahs.
Perhaps you are one of those rare and favoured souls with some early SHIRLEYand DOLLY COLLINS in your collection? Or maybe some KATHERINE TICKELL or ALISTAIR ANDERSON? I think you would be delighted to find this music, and then to be persuaded by the samples on RPM’s website to investigate some more. Check www.rpmmusic.us
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