Gjallarhorn rejuvenated traditional music rooted in the Swedish folk music of Finland. Their music was a modern echo of the ancient Nordic folk tradition with mythical medieval ballads, whirling minuets, prayers in runo-metric chanting and ancient Icelandic rÍmur (sung poetry) epics.
This is a dreamy, completely acoustic sound featuring intense fiddle playing, the drone of the didgeridoo, global rhythms, percussion, mandola and sweeping vocals by Jenny Wilhelm. Obviously, the didgeridoo is not a native instrument, but it supplies a low drone as the Swedish bagpipe would in the same role. Using the sound and resonance of their instruments to greatest effect, this is Nordic music with a global view.
Gjallarhorn were: Jenny Wilhelms – lead vocal, violin, hardanger fiddle; Christopher Öhman – viola, mandola, vocals, kalimba; Tommy Mansikka-Aho – didjeridu, slideridoo, jews harp, udu, jembe;
David Lillkvist – percussion, kalimba.
The NorthSide edition of the album Sjofn is an enhanced CD with two videos and additional material from the band’s website.
Discography
Ranarop (1997)
Sjofn (2000)
Grimborg (2003)
Rimfaxe (2006)
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.
