Maskineri – Hopsa 101 (GO Danish Folk Music, 2020)
Danish folk duo Maskineri has released an alluring album titled Hopsa 101. The recording showcases a new vision of the traditional music from Central Jutland in Denmark, the way elders used to play it.
Hopsa 101 features dynamic and joyful polkas, hopsas, mazurkas and waltzes; and delightful slow tempo pieces as well. The tunes come from the elder fiddlers of Central Jutland, and the songs are performed in the local Danish dialect.
Maskineri includes two of Denmark’s most respected young folk musicians: Maja Kjær Jacobsen on fiddle and vocals, from Virklund; and Søren Vinther Røgen on guitar, from Engesvang.
The two musicians have been involved in various other projects, including Fru Skagerrak, Maja & David, Maja Kjær Kvartet, Trolska Polska, and Trio Svin.
The duo was started after Maja found handwritten tune book written down between 1892 and 1897 by fiddler Anders Top Andersen, from Central Jutland.
“Traditional music doesn’t let people or time stand in its way,” said Maja & Søren. “It is a timeless machinery that has a life of its own. We are very happy about that fact, especially since a century old tune collections and recordings from Central Jutland have delivered the music for Maskineri. The tunes and songs themselves are probably a few centuries older than that, and they are – regardless of time and place – fantastic, expressive and full of good stories.”
Maja & Søren added: “We both grew up in Central Jutland, and therefore we are very excited about presenting this album. May it bring a smile to the face of every person who hears it!”
Buy Hopsa 101
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.