A Melange: Väsen with Mike Marshall and Darol Anger and "Misch Masch"

Some American folk musicians mingle with Swedish folk musicians to create today's random tune, Misch Masch. Väsen is a Swedish folk music ensemble formed officially in 1990 for a music gathering in Norway. Väsen plays traditional instruments such as the nyckelharpa but it was adding a guitar that gave the band a unique sound. They play on this song with American mandolin player Mike Marshall, a leader in the New Acoustic Music movement that blends folk, bluegrass, jazz and world music. Also featured on the song is Marshall's longtime collaborator Darol Anger, an American violinist with an extensive background in jazz, folk and classical music. Misch Masch can be found on the 2007 album Mike Marshall & Darol Anger with Väsen.

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%A4sen; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Marshall_(musician); https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Acoustic_Music

Foxy Lady: Hedningarna and "Räven"

Today's random tune is by Swedish group Hedningarna. The band's name means "the heathens," and they take old Scandinavian folk music and fuse it with electronica and rock, as well as a traditional Sami form of song called yoik. Wishing to plumb the roots of Old Norse culture, the band used ancient instruments and one of their members even created new ones. Currently a trio, the band has had a variety of past members, including Finnish members. You can find this song, Räven, on their 2011 album Trä. The song is about a woman who is also a fox.

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedningarna

A Little Red Package: Sven-Ingvars and "Ett Litet Rött Paket"

We have a fun one for our random global tune for the day! The tune is called Ett Litet Rött Paket and is by the 60s-era Swedish pop and rock group Sven-Ingvars. Formed in 1956, Sven-Ingvars was extremely popular in Sweden during the 1960s and their popularity was such that in 1963, the opening act for the band was The Beatles. In the 1970s, the band moved more toward dance band music, which has become popular in the Scandinavian countries and which focuses on music that can be danced to in pairs - for rock oriented bands the music tends to be rock music of the 50s and 60s. Ett Litet Rött Paket was originally released as a single in 1963, but can be found on the 2016 Sven-Ingvars album Svensk Julmusik. Technically a holiday song, Sven-Ingvars changed some lyrics so that the month of December is changed to February, and the song describes the city of Uppsala.

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sven-Ingvars; https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sven-Ingvars

Do a Little Dance: Väsen with Mike Marshall and Darol Anger and "Timo's Jig"

Today's random tune, Timo's Jig is a product of a Swedish band with a couple of American folk musicians. Väsen is a Swedish folk music ensemble formed officially in 1990 for a music gathering in Norway. Väsen plays traditional instruments such as the nyckelharpa but it was adding a guitar that gave the band a unique sound. They play on this song with American mandolin player Mike Marshall, a leader in the New Acoustic Music movement that blends folk, bluegrass, jazz and world music. Also featured on the song is Marshall's longtime collaborator Darol Anger, an American violinist with an extensive background in jazz, folk and classical music. Timo's Jig can be found on the 2007 album Mike Marshall & Darol Anger with Väsen.

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%A4sen; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Marshall_(musician); https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darol_Anger

Sisterly: Gjallarhorn and "Systrarna (The Sisters)"

Our random tune for today is from Gjallarhorn. Gjallarhorn was formed in 1994 in a Swedish-speaking portion of Finland and performs world music based in the folk music and traditions of that region. As such, their music tends to be Swedish in nature, but based in acoustic folk music unique to the Ostrobothnian area. Gjallorhorn is also known for their use of the hardanger fiddle, an eight or nine string violin (as compared to four strings on a standard violin), and lead singer Jenny Wilhelm's singing technique called kulning, a technique based on Scandinavian cattle herding calls consisting of high pitched wordless tones designed to be heard over long distances. The band's name derives from the name of the horn of the Norse god Heimdallr, who blows the Gjallarhorn signaling the last battle of the Norse gods. This song, Systrarna (The Sisters), can be found on their 2006 release Rimfaxe.

Listen to songs like this and more on the KUNM Global Music Show every Monday night from 10 pm - 1 am Mountain Standard Time. Live streaming, program information and the two-week digital archive can be found at http://www.kunm.org.

Poetry in Mountains: Gjallarhorn and "Norafjelds"

Our random tune for today is by the Finnish band Gjallarhorn. Gjallarhorn was formed in 1994 in a Swedish-speaking portion of Finland and performs world music based in the folk music and traditions of that region. As such, their music tends to be Swedish in nature, but based in acoustic folk music unique to the Ostrobothnian area. Gjallorhorn is also known for their use of the hardanger fiddle, an eight or nine string violin (as compared to four strings on a standard violin), and lead singer Jenny Wilhelm's singing technique called kulning, a technique based on Scandinavian cattle herding calls consisting of high pitched wordless tones designed to be heard over long distances. The band's name derives from the name of the horn of the Norse god Heimdallr, who blows the Gjallarhorn signaling the last battle of the Norse gods. This song, Norafjelds (Mountain Poem), can be found on their 2006 release Rimfaxe.

Not Pilaf: Väsen, Mike Marshall and Darol Anger with "Couscous"

Some American folk musicians mingle with Swedish folk musicians to create today's random tune, Couscous. Väsen is a Swedish folk music ensemble formed officially in 1990 for a music gathering in Norway. Väsen plays traditional instruments such as the nyckelharpa but it was adding a guitar that gave the band a unique sound. They play on this song with American mandolin player Mike Marshall, a leader in the New Acoustic Music movement that blends folk, bluegrass, jazz and world music. Also featured on the song is Marshall's longtime collaborator Darol Anger, an American violinist with an extensive background in jazz, folk and classical music. Couscous can be found on the 2007 album Mike Marshall & Darol Anger with Väsen.

Which Direction: Sofia Karlsson and "From Here to Here"

Swedish folk singer Sofia Karlsson brings us the random tune for today, called From Here to Here. Sofia Karlsson attended the folk music department of the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, and was a part of the band Groupa from 1998-2002. She made a breakthrough with her second solo album in 2005, with songs interpreting the works of poet Dan Andersson. She has released seven solo albums. From Here to Here can be found on her 2011 album Levande.

Like Mashed Potatoes: Mike Marshall & Darol Anger with Väsen performing "Misch Masch"

Some American folk musicians mingle with Swedish folk musicians to create today's random tune, Misch Masch. Väsen is a Swedish folk music ensemble formed officially in 1990 for a music gathering in Norway. Väsen plays traditional instruments such as the nyckelharpa but it was adding a guitar that gave the band a unique sound. They play on this song with American mandolin player Mike Marshall, a leader in the New Acoustic Music movement that blends folk, bluegrass, jazz and world music. Also featured on the song is Marshall's longtime collaborator Darol Anger, an American violinist with an extensive background in jazz, folk and classical music. Misch Masch can be found on the 2007 album Mike Marshall & Darol Anger with Väsen.

A Truth Self Evident: Maher Zain and "Freedom (Acoustic Version)"

Today's random tune is by Maher Zain, a 34 year old Swedish-Muslim R&B singer of Lebanese origin whose Wikipedia page claims that he has more Facebook fans than any other Muslim musician. His family emigrated to Sweden when he was eight and studied aeronautical engineering in college. He started his music career when he teamed up with Moroccan-Swedish producer RedOne and followed him to New York where he produced US artists such as Kat DeLuna. He eventually returned home to Sweden and re-engaged with his Islamic faith, which led him to move out of producing and into a career as a singer/songwriter of R&B songs with a strong Muslim/religious theme. He sings mainly in English, but has also released some of his most popular songs in other languages. He maintains a strong following in Malaysia and Indonesia. This song, Freedom (Acoustic Version), is a single that he released in 2011.

Egypt on Strings: Darol Anger, Mike Marshall and Väsen with "Egypt"

We have a downtempo reflective tune for you today in the form of Egypt by Väsen with Mike Marshall and Darrol Anger. Väsen is a Swedish folk band formed in 1989, who created a different sound for Swedish folk by adding some modern guitar work over the traditional Swedish styles. As they have evolved, they have moved away from playing traditional tunes toward their own compositions. They maintain a busy international touring schedule, have released 15 albums, and often collaborate with American musicians Mike Marshall and Darrol Anger. Marshall is a mandolin player and multi-instrumentalist who has recorded in a variety of genres and has collaborated with artists such as Béla Fleck and Mark O'Connor. Darrol Anger is a violinist who also has performed with some of contemporary music's most accomplished musicians, and currently leads a group called Republic of Strings which uses classical, jazz and folk as its springboard. Egypt can be found on the 2007 CD Mike Marshall and Darrol Anger with Väsen.

Swaying Swedish: The Perishers and "Sway"

Today we have a slow rock tune by The Perishers, a Swedish indie-rock band formed in 1997. The band got a big break in 2005 when they were hand picked by Sarah McLachlan to open for her on her Afterglow tour. They have also been highlighted on soundtracks to American television shows such as The O.C., One Tree Hill, Greek and Veronica Mars. This song, Sway, is from their 2005 EP by the same name.

Night Steed: Gjallarhorn and "Rimfaxe"

The random tune for today is from Gjallarhorn. Gjallarhorn was formed in 1994 in a Swedish-speaking portion of Finland and performs world music based in the folk music and traditions of that region. As such, their music tends to be Swedish in nature, but based in acoustic folk music unique to Ostrobothnian area. Gjallorhorn is also known for their use of the hardanger fiddle, an 8 or nine string violin (as compared to four strings on a standard violin), and lead singer Jenny Wilhelm's singing technique called kulning, a technique based on Scandinavian cattle herding calls consisting of high pitched wordless tones designed to be heard over long distances. The band's name derives from the name of the horn of the Norse god Heimdallr, who blows the horn signaling the last battle of the Norse gods. This song, Rimfaxe, is the title song of their 2006 CD, and is about the Norse god of night's horse and the coming of night.

Leaning Pop: The Perishers and "Sway"

Today's slow rock, randomly chosen tune is brought to you by The Perishers, a Swedish indie-rock band formed in 1997. The band got a big break in 2005 when they were hand picked by Sarah McLachlan to open for her on her Afterglow tour. They have also been highlighted on soundtracks to American television shows such as The O.C., One Tree Hill, Greek and Veronica Mars. This song, Sway, is from their 2005 EP by the same name.

Swedish Dish: Darol Anger and Mike Marshall with Väsen and "Couscous"

Some American folk musicians mingle with Swedish folk musicians to create today's random tune, Couscous. Väsen is a Swedish folk music ensemble formed officially in 1990 for a music gathering in Norway. Väsen plays traditional instruments such as the nyckelharpa but it was adding a guitar that gave the band a unique sound. They play on this song with American mandolin player Mike Marshall, a leader in the New Acoustic Music movement that blends folk, bluegrass, jazz and world music. Also featured on the song is Marshall's longtime collaborator Darol Anger, an American violinist with an extensive background in jazz, folk and classical music. Couscous can be found on the 2007 album Mike Marshall & Darol Anger with Väsen.

Rescued: Gjallarhorn and "Sylvklar"

Today's song is by Gjallarhorn, from their 2006 album Rimfaxe (2006). The song, Sylvklar (Silverbright), is a mediaeval ballad about Prince Roamtree who, after looking through seven kingdoms for his sister Silverbright, learns that she is kidnapped by a mermaid. When he finally arrives at the ocean demesne of the mermaid, he finds Silverbright serving as her maid. He tricks the mermaid by using seductive words and rescues Silverbright, and the mermaid becomes so enraged she splits into pieces.

Gjallarhorn was formed in 1994 in a Swedish-speaking portion of Finland and performs world music based in the folk music and traditions of that region. As such, their music tends to be Swedish in nature, but based in acoustic folk music unique to Ostrobothnian area. Gjallorhorn is also known for their use of the hardanger fiddle, an 8 or nine string violin (as compared to four strings on a standard violin), and lead singer Jenny Wilhelm's singing technique called kulning, a technique based on Scandinavian cattle herding calls consisting of high pitched wordless tones designed to be heard over long distances. While Gjallarhorn was on hiatus for a number of years after the release of Rimfaxe, they began touring again in 2011 and were expected to release a new album in 2013, though there is still no mention of it on their website.

Dancing on Strings: Väsen and "Polska for Tom Morrow"

I often wonder how the first string instrument was invented, and who first plucked a string to notice that it makes a tune that can vary according to how tight it is wound. Or even better, who first drew something like a bow across a taut string to create that sound that we associate with the bowed instruments like violins, violas, and basses. Of course harps and lutes were the stringed instruments we most associate with antiquity, but how we went from a harp or lute to strings stretched over a box with an open hole to create a resonance chamber is fodder for the imagination as well. Did someone theorize that such an instrument, soon to become guitars/mandolins/ouds...all the myriads of guitar-like instruments.

One of the songs that fascinated me, back in my rock and roll only days, was Rush's 2112 Suite, specifically the Discovery part of the suite. In this part, a young man in another time period (presumably a future without music) discovers an ancient guitar and learns to play it, leading to the authorities to crack down on him and ending with his suicide and the fall of that civilization. The premise sounds a bit simplistic now (it is based on a very Ayn Rand-ian view of the world that doesn't really describe my views at all) but I was fascinated with the whole concept of someone finding something, having that moment of discovery, and having it open up his whole world. In a way, I feel that global music has done that for me. But that takes me back to the whole discovery process of music altogether, and the complex series of events, both planned and accidental, that have led to giant orchestras, small folk groups, electronic music, jazz, and whatever other music and instrumental arrangements that you can think of. It's astounding to me - human invention and happy accident. We truly dance on the strings of our own ingenuity and creativity and also a little luck and happenstance.

Speaking of strings, one group that we have highlighted in the blog before is Väsen, who randomly comes back up again with their Polska for Tom Morrow. Väsen is a Swedish folk band that has released 15 albums and has toured extensively in Europe and beyond. Due to the reluctance of one of their members, the percussionist André Ferrari, to tour they have been releasing more albums in a strings only format of nyckelharpa, viola and guitar. They also regularly play with Americans Darol Anger (violin) and Mike Marshall (mandolin). So here you get strings in all of their glory. Polska for Tom Morrow is from their 2013 CD Mindset.

(Im)Permanence: Mike Marshall and Darrol Anger with Väsen on "Egypt"

In New York City, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, sits the Egyptian Temple of Dendur. A casualty of the construction of the Aswan High Dam, it was given as a gift to the United States by Egypt and brought to New York in 1963.

If you walk around to the side of the Temple, you'll see a bunch of graffiti from multiple time periods on the side wall. That in itself is the subject for an essay - the human impulse to leave its mark on anything and everything it encounters. Look closely at the graffiti and you'll see the name of a man who lists his residence as Brooklyn, New York and the date sometime in the 1800s.

I thought long and hard about this little irony when I first saw that graffiti at the Temple. In the 1800s, when this man came by on an expedition or as a tourist, he wrote his name on the Temple wall like others before him thinking that for thousands more years the temple would stand alone and that the few others who braved the Egyptian desert to reach that lonely outpost would see his name. Little did he know that one day, an endangered temple given as a gift would put his name in an art museum in the very place that he came from. He affixed his name to what he thought would be a permanent marker in Egypt until the end of time. The impermanence of everything in the universe now has guaranteed that his name will be visible, perhaps in s better state of permanence and perhaps not, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

As I am visiting my mother, who is in her early 80s and is in the early signs of dementia, I have been thinking about the permanence and impermanence of things in our lives. Of course there is the issue of my mother's life and eventual death, but also the life she had, full of memories bad and good, which seem to slip away little by little like a slow leak in a bucket. As the poem Ozymandias proclaims, even the mighty end up "colossal wrecks" in "lone and level sands" that stretch far away. But you don't have to be mighty to realize that all that we have been and all that we were are thralls to impermanence. I won't leave a huge shattered visage in the sand to mark my passing, but the result will be the same.

So, with that melancholy thought, a downtempo reflective tune for you today in the form of Egypt by Väsen with Mike Marshall and Darrol Anger. Väsen is a Swedish folk band formed in 1989, who created a different sound for Swedish folk by adding some modern guitar work over the traditional Swedish styles. As they have evolved, they have moved away from playing traditional tunes toward their own compositions. They maintain a busy international touring schedule, have released 15 albums, and often collaborate with American musicians Mike Marshall and Darrol Anger. Marshall is a mandolin player and multi-instrumentalist who has recorded in a variety of genres and has collaborated with artists such as Béla Fleck and Mark O'Connor. Darrol Anger is a violinist who also has performed with some of contemporary music's most accomplished musicians, and currently leads a group called Republic of Strings which uses classical, jazz and folk as its springboard. Egypt can be found on the 2007 CD Mike Marshall and Darrol Anger with Väsen.