Väsen – Duo (NorthSide/Olov Johansson Musik, 2021)
Väsen, Sweden’s iconic contemporary folk music band, has gone through yet another change. Throughout the years, Väsen has had different lineups and configurations. For many years, the band was a trio or quartet. Now, on the band’s most recent album, “Duo”, they are down to two.
“Duo” is Väsen‘s 13th studio album, and the current configuration of the band includes masterful multi-instrumentalists Olov Johansson and Mikael Marin.
The duo plays a combination of traditional and original instrumental pieces deeply grounded in Swedish folk music traditions. After performing for so many years together, there is real alchemy between the two musicians.
“Duo” contains an inviting mix of spirited tunes as well as laid back material. While Johansson plays fascinating melodies and riffs, Marin plucks his string instruments to play intricate bass lines, or bows/strums magnetic rhythmic interactions.
Lineup: Olov Johansson on 3-rowed nyckelharpa built by Esbjörn Hogmark in 2015, silverbasharpa made by Fritz Widlund in the early 20th century, oktavharpa crafted by Olle Plahn in 1998; and Mikael Marin on violoncello da spalla built by Per Harderstan in 2018, and a blue electric viola made by Ulf Kloo in 1997.
Buy the album from the band at vasen.se/vasen-duo
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.