You know, one of the particular benefits of this place is that you get exposed to a lot of stuff that you otherwise wouldn't get to hear. How lucky we are to be living when we do, and to have a resource like this place. My music is many miles beyond where it would be without the Mudcat. All that and you get friends like our Skarpi as well. How does it get any better?
Skarpi sent me the effort that he, along with bandmates Rósa Jóhannesdóttir, and Helgi Kristjánson put together. It is a wonderful CD, well arranged, and instrumentally sound. One of the hallmarks of seasoning among performers is when they realize that there is an exact right amount of arranging to do. No more, no less. A good musician knows when the time is right for intricacy, and when it is right for simplicity. Done properly both are just as bewitching. Such is the case with Skarpi and friends. I will be honest and tell you that I went into listening to this with an open mind, expecting just a nice CD. What I got was a CD that was a lot of fun to listen to, and which I will enjoy over and over.
Let me introduce the players. We all know Skarpi as a wonderful Mudcatter with a great heart, and wonderful sense of honesty. Though his language is not English, he is one of the best communicators here. On this CD he sings, and plays bodhran and guitar.
He is joined by Rósa on vocals,viola and violin, and Helgi on vocals, guitar, bass, banjo, harmonica and flute. Their technique is solid, and their interpretive skills are right on.
Rósa, on the violin and viola, knows exactly how to weave the ornaments into a song. All the good fiddle players know this. They know when it is time for the melody line, and when it is time to dance all around it. And she has a voice that one cannot help but fall in love with. I must tell you that her version of Caledonia is wonderful. I must sing with this woman. And have you seen her pictures from Portaferry. Skarpi calls her his angel. I can see why. She is as beautiful as she is a wonderful musician.
Helgi is the guy that every good performer wants in his band. This gentleman just flat out can play. He provides the solid backing that is a must for a quality effort. And he is obviously versatile. I have seen many CD's where performers are multi instrumental, but only mediocre on any one. Not the case with this man. Almost without exception, his accompaniment was right where I would want it. I couldn't tell you when it was him singing and when it was Skarpi, but I never heard a dissonant voice, so they must both be very good.
Skarpi needs to let others know how to order this CD. It is a joy to listen to, even though one doesn't know what they are saying. That says a lot all by itself.
Skarpi would like to bring his band over when he comes for the Getaway. To do so would require some bookings. To those that book for folk clubs, you would not be disappointed. This is obviously an accomplished group that would be very enjoyable for your audience. And where else are you going to here Icelandic music influenced by Irish?