FolkWorld's best CDs 2001
The editors' choice
FolkWorld's
editors, Michael & Christian Moll, have taken here the difficult task to
find out - subjectively - about the best 10 CDs of 2001 that have arrived for
review at FolkWorld magazine.
- The best CD of 2001:
Rosapaeda "in forma di rosa" (Italy)
In the latest issue of this magazine the review of Rosapeda's first album
'Facce' said: "A strong voice with a strong band - all in all a very strong
album. I am waiting for the follow up album!" Here it is already - and indeed
waiting was worth it, asthe album directly found its way onto the first place
of FolkWorld's Top Ten (editors choice) of the best albums of the year 2001!
Congratulations to Rosapaeda and her band. 'In forma di rosa' presents music
and song from the mediterranean, with focus on the South of Italy. The music
is fascinating with plenty of most special moments. Only small negative point
is that the CD is with less than 40 minutes quite short - but in the end it
is quality that matters, not quantity.
A full review will appear in the next issue.
- The second best CD of 2001:
Olla Vogala "Fantoom" (Belgium)
Very strong and moving folk music on this second CD of the Belgian folk and
world music big band. Their musical influences are broad, yet the music is
one overall art work. The music is full of energy, unique and unconventional.
The instruments played in Olla Vogala include sax (up to three), violin (also
up to three), hurdy gurdy, bagpipe, trumpet, accordion, diverse string instruments
and two very different singers, one singing in French, the other in an arabic
language. A fascinating piece of art - absolutely stunning and breathtaking.
Read the full FolkWorld review
- The third best CD of 2001:
Duncan Chisholm "Door of Saints" (Scotland)
Duncan Chisholm, fiddler from Scotland and known by his collaborations with
Ivan Drever and as part of Wolfstone, shows on his new album beautifully his
big talent. With a lot of feeling and skill he presents traditional and contemporary
tunes. Quite a lot of the tunes are rather well known, including several Gaelic
songs interpreted instrumentally only, yet revealing their full beauty. Along
to those there is also an Ivan Drever as well as a Kepa Junkera tune. Duncan
is masterfully accompanied by a bunch of great musicians, including Ivan Drever
and Phil Cunningham. The only little draw-back is the shortness of the CD
(just over 40 minutes), yet it is a masterpiece from the start to the end.
A full review will appear in the next issue.
- Hoven Droven "Hippa" (Sweden)
A bit more "unplugged" than usual, Sweden's happiest band have created
a powerful album of Swedish folk rock music - their best one so far.
Read the full FolkWorld review
- Gabriel Yacoub "Y" (France)
The singer/songwriter/guitarist of Malicorne fame sets off with an album with
mainly own songs, yet with a more innovative folk accompaniment.
A full review will appear in the next issue.
- Token Women "Elsa" (England)
An inspiring album of this superb all-female band, combining brass instruments
with folk fiddles and percussion, and English with international folk music.
Read the full FolkWorld review
- Törf "Op Roemte" (Netherlands)
From this long and strong going Frisian band a great new CD, a bit melancholic
with lots of atmosphere.
Read the full FolkWorld review
- Di Grine Kuzine "Feribot" (Germany/Eastern
Europe)
A special band from Berlin, playing music from the heart of Europe, they call
their music 'Klezmer Balkan Brass' - excellent CD.
A full review will appear in the next issue.
- Maria Kalaniemi & Sven Ahlbäck "Ilmajousi - Luftstråk"
(Finland/Sweden)
Collaboration of Finnish accordenist and Swedish fiddler, plus nyckelharpa
player and singer. A mix of Swedish and Finnish traditions, every number of
the album is a delight.
Read the full FolkWorld review
- Dermot Hyde & Tom Hake "Pipeline" (Germany/Ireland/Scotland)
One of the surprises this year: A brilliant album by a German and an uilleann
piper from the Isles, featuring Celtic music par excellence.
Read the full FolkWorld review (German
only)
To the content of FolkWorld's
Best 2001
The Mollis - Editors
of FolkWorld; Published 01/2001
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