I saw you performances at Forde a few days ago which was a duo format with fiddle and organ. My international colleagues and I were very impressed by the result. How did you come up with this concept?
Thank you! The concept was a reaction to many years of full band setting, and the need of opening up the space for details and searching for a more naked room…. integrating the mechanical noise from wooden instruments and letting everything be a part of the music.
Is there a recording with the fiddle and organ format?
The Annbjørg Lien and Bjørn Ole Rasch duo recording is called "Come Home" and is released on Grappa Musikkforlag in Norway in 2010. Also available on the internet for download.
Even though most of your music is instrumental, you sang a beautiful piece. Will you be doing more singing in the future?
Thank you. Yes, I will. I have always been inspired by lyrics, and find it wonderful to use the voice as an instrument too.
What instruments do you play aside from the hardanger fiddle?
Which is your favorite musical instrument?
The Hardanger fiddle.
Who makes your fiddles?
Most of them are old fiddles, and the builders are dead. Mine is built by Olav G. Helland from Bø in Telemark in 1898.
In the past you collaborated with other female fiddlers from various traditions in the String Sisters. Will you be doing more of these collaborations?
I hope so, the personal chemistry decide if the music will meet. I always try to keep windows and doors open, so birds can fly in and out. Regarding String Sisters, we are planning a new album, and we really enjoy playing together.
I`m working on a new solo album with guests from other countries. Very excited about it!
If you could gather any musicians or musical groups to collaborate with who would that be?
I like for these meetings to just happen – let destiny decide and not plan it too much. It would be an honour to meet any musicians with their heart filled with personal colors, who want to show and share and have fun.
We interviewed the Senegalese singer Baaba Maal and asked what song was he completely addicted to – the one song that he will sing along with every time – and he told us his song was “One Love” by Bob Marley. What is your one song?
“One love” is a great song, I would sing along with it every time. So many great songs. While I’m driving, I very often sing out loud to good songs like ‘Hey Jude’ by the Beatles, ‘Hold on’ by Tom Waits, and ‘It’s so Quiet’ by Bjørk.
Two festivals: Bø folk festival in Telemark and Førde Folk Music Festival. As far as venues, Riksscena in Oslo and Colombo Egg in Bergen, with a wonderful man behind it, Gabriel Fliflet, and great audience.
Where were you born?
Ålesund – west coast of Norway
What music are you currently listening to?
A new release of the great Hardanger fiddler Hauk Buen called “Meisterspel”. He has been my mentor, and big inspiration.
Where do you live now?
Kristiansand, southern Norway.
What do you like to do during your free time?
Walk in the nature, the mountains, and work in my garden.
What country would you like to visit?
The Faroe Islands.
Which is your favorite city?
Barcelona.
What was the first big lesson you learned about the music business?
To listen to my own heart.
Recordings available:
- In North America: Come Home (MP3 download), Waltz With Me, Felefeber: Norwegian Fiddle Music, Bukkene Bruse, Aliens Alive, Baba Yaga, Prisme, Live (String Sisters)
- In Europe: Come Home (CD and MP3 download), Waltz With Me, Prisme, Felefeber, Baba Yaga, Aliens Alive
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
