Knut Buen and Sigmund Groven – Kjenslevev (Heilo, 2023)
Knut Buen and Sigmund Groven‘s latest release, “Kjenslevev,” is a delightful musical tapestry of feelings. The album features captivating poems written by Buen, set to beautiful melodies composed by Buen and Groven. It is brought to life by the powerful vocals of Aasmund Nordstoga and Anne Gravir Klykken, along with the synthesizer of Kjetil Bjerkestrand.
Drawing on a lifetime of memories and experiences, Buen’s lyrics explore the universal themes of luck, joy, sorrow, and loss. The album’s title, “Kjenslevev,” reflects Buen’s belief that life is shaped by these emotions, weaving together to form a varicolored feeling. The musical foundation of the album is rooted in the traditions of rural Norwegian craftspeople and folk artists, and Buen and Groven’s many years of learning and experience as performers on the Hardanger fiddle and harmonica.
Both Buen and Groven are renowned musicians, with numerous awards and accolades to their names. Buen is recognized as one of Norway’s premier Hardanger fiddle players, as well as a respected composer, poet, and rosemaler (rose painting artist). Groven has established an international career as a harmonica soloist, with performances in renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York and the Mozarteum in Salzburg. With over 30 albums to his name, some of which have even charted in South Korea and Hong Kong, Groven is also an award-winning composer.
Together, Buen and Groven bring their musical expertise and lifelong passion to “Kjenslevev,” offering listeners a deeply personal and emotionally resonant musical experience.
Musicians: Anne Gravir Klykken on vocals; Aasmund Nordstoga on vocals; Knut Buen on Hardanger fiddle and poetry reading; Sigmund Groven on harmonica; Kjetil Bjerkestrand on synthesizer. All lyrics by Knut Buen. Compositions by Knut Buen and Sigmund Groven
The lyrics on the album are written out of Knut Buen’s personal feelings and lifetime memories, in addition to universal human experiences and state of mind. As Buen proclaims: “What one has learned and experienced forms a tapestry of life that one finds meaningful”.
Buy Kjenslevev
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.
It sounds so beautiful.