folk posts

Erik Enocksson

Sunday, November 25th, 2007 by Julija

shoegazing // experimental

Throughout his strongly evocative pieces for the soundtrack of Farväl Falkenberg, Stockholm-based composer Erik Enocksson reverberates the stories of a small sea-town life. As Erik Enocksson merges his minimalist folk tunes, sweeping instrumentation of acoustic guitars, piano, creaky wood, ethereal choir chant, and the simplicity of whistles and hand claps, he perfectly captures the feelings of isolation and hopefulness. Influenced by the coastal area, the soundscapes stimulate the sensation of brooding notes and a subtle hint of threat.

Losing yourself in a cinematic-shoegaze experience.
Erik Enocksson – The Joy of D.H. Lawrence
Erik Enocksson – The Lingering Procession
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Dawn Landes

Monday, November 19th, 2007 by Julija

bluegrass // folk

Expanding understanding of American roots music, in a place described as a cross between a garage and studio in Texas, Dawn Landes and The We Sorta Tried Bluegrass Band recorded a cover of Peter Bjorn and John’s “Young Folks”. As a result, the whole bunch rendered the pop classic into a bluegrass gem of switching male-female vocal parts, accompanied by acoustic stringed instrumentation. New York-based gifted interpreter, sound engineer and songwriter Dawn Landes possesses a natural ability for bridging raw folk and alt country, and the beguiling intimacy and spontaneity of her songs is comparable to such artists as Beth Orton and Cat Power.

Giving new life to old-time traditions.
Dawn Landes – Young Folks
Dawn Landes – Twilight
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Marla Hansen

Sunday, November 4th, 2007 by Julija

indie folk // acoustic

Viola player Marla Hansen appears on Sufjan Stevens and My Brightest Diamond live performances, got to play with Jay-Z and Kanye West, is a member of the string quartet Osso, and occasionally still plays classical music too. Marla likes drinking tea and writing little songs for herself and her viola. One fine day she gathered some friends together, including Sufjan, Shara Worden and Sebastian Krueger of Inlets, and eventually recorded her debut EP Wedding Day, a collection of tranquil lullabies and meditative harmonies.

Quiet songs for quiet people.
Marla Hansen – Shuffle Your Feet
Marla Hansen – Wedding Day
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Cary Brothers

Wednesday, October 10th, 2007 by Michelle

singer-songwriter // indie folk // soundtrack maven

Even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, chances are you’ve heard at least two of his songs. “Blue Eyes” and “Ride” were both featured on the soundtracks for “Garden State” and “The Last Kiss,” respectively. Don’t let that deter you. Cary has the incredible ability to home in on a variety of emotions, whether it’s heartache or defiance or a little of both. Each feeling is magnified, and while listening it’s as if at any moment you’ll burst into a million pieces.

If you had your own soundtrack, he’d be on it too.
Cary Brothers – Honestly
Cary Brothers – If You Were Here (Thompson Twins cover)
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Emma Salokoski Ensemble

Monday, October 1st, 2007 by Julija

bossa nova // finnish folk

Light-hearted rhythms of various bossa nova interpretations come from all over the world, yet one could not expect such seamless recreation of summery vibes coming from the land of gloomy winters. In their album Kaksi Mannerta (Two Continents), the members of Emma Salokoski Ensemble easily mix the essence of bossa nova aesthetics and traditional Finnish folk. Richly melodic Caetano Veloso’s Brazilian pop, Madredeus’ modern folk influences, and Emma Salokoski’s bright voice, singing in her native Finnish, caress the ear, and certainly is the perfect antidote to chilly autumn air.

Unique synthesis of Nordic attitude and tropical flavours.
Emma Salokoski Ensemble – Mina Maneira
Emma Salokoski Ensemble – Sua Jos Aattelen
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Gwyneth Herbert

Tuesday, September 25th, 2007 by Andrew Ladd

jazz // folk // acoustic

At the Fringe venue where I work most summers, the name Gwyneth Herbert has always lurked deep in the music program, and this year I finally decided to check her out. This is what I wrote about the show at the time:

She is stop-you-in-your-tracks, shoot-you-in-the-face fantastic. Her lyrics are tight, her voice elegant, her manner onstage masterful; and it was all backed up by some really superb guitar by Al Cherry.

These tracks are from her latest LP, Between Me And The Wardrobe, which has just been picked up by Blue Note UK. They’re full of beautifully sparse instrumentation over which her vocals get to really gleam and shine. Do yourself a favour and buy the album.

Quiet and beguiling.
Gwyneth Herbert – Lay You Down
Gwyneth Herbert – Sweet Thing
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Ferraby Lionheart

Wednesday, September 5th, 2007 by Michelle

singer-songwriter // indie folk // bedroom rock

Ferraby, an LA-born, Nashville-raised, Los Angeles-returnee, recorded his self-titled EP in his bedroom, and the intimacy of that fact is echoed in all of its tracks. Each one is brimming with honesty, optimism and a touch of vulnerability. His tenuous voice and the folky-upbeat tone of his songs is an addictive and comforting combination. Even though he recorded his newly released LP Catch The Brass Ring, in a large studio, none of this intimacy is lost. According to Ferraby’s biography, “He wants people to care about the planet. He wants people to care about other people.” Lion-hearted, indeed.

Music that makes you ache and smile, all at once.
Ferraby Lionheart – Call Me the Sea
Ferraby Lionheart – Small Planet

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Priscilla Ahn

Thursday, August 16th, 2007 by Michelle

singer-songwriter // blithe folk pop

While I can appreciate any artist who can adeptly play and loop the harmonica, guitar and bells for a single song, and often incorporates the banjo, ukulele and even kazoo in her live show; part of me would expect this instrumental overkill to hide a less-than-stellar voice. But not Priscilla. Her voice can only be described as ethereal, and carries a sense of hope and innocence in songs whose lyrics aren’t always so untarnished. This, plus the hint of vulnerability in her music, makes you want to hold your breath and bask in her subtle storytelling. Close your eyes and have a listen.

Gentle wanderings between nostalgia and daydream.
Priscilla Ahn – Lullaby
Priscilla Ahn – Dream

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Petra Jean Phillipson

Monday, August 6th, 2007 by Julija

british singer-songwriter // pop folk // folk-baroque

Although Notes On: Love (2005) is the debut album, recorded with the former Verve guitarist Simon Tong, Petra Jean Phillipson has years of experience in music, writing and collecting songs for about eight years. Unavoidably, her vulnerability and emotionality reminds me the beautiful sadness of Nina Nastasia, yet Petra Jean has the strength of Polly Jean Harvey and Shannon Wright. Her honest lyrics, haunting murmurs, choruses and melodies, and overall powerful sound, balances between spooky and bewitching.

Contemplative and compelling work.
Petra Jean Phillipson – I Want The Impossible
Petra Jean Phillipson – Play Play
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The Matinee Orchestra

Thursday, August 2nd, 2007 by Julija

laptop folk // avant-pop

Reminding us of simple joys, refreshing as summertime lemonade flavour, The Matinee Orchestra brings a lot more loveliness than one could expect from so called laptop music. From ice-cold tender textures of Múm to the quirky playfulness of CocoRosie and the innocence of Psapp’s toys’ recordings, rich electronic sounds and instrumentation of harmonica, violins, glockenspiel, warm and relaxed guitar tones weave into the softest sound. Genuinely tranquil and warming, they are taking you on a magic journey through the day.

Soundtrack for daydreaming.
The Matinee Orchestra – Run For Cover (It’s Going To Rain)
The Matinee Orchestra – Imagination Of A Watermelon
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