Review: Skarpi & Co.'s 'Rósin Okkar'

Subject: Review: Skarpi & Co.'s 'Rósin Okkar'
From: Big Mick
Date: 14 Mar 05 - 01:16 PM

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?

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Review: Skarpi & Co.'s 'Rósin Okkar'
From: MudGuard
Date: 14 Mar 05 - 01:41 PM

Yes it is a brilliant CD!
By brilliant musicians.

If you haven't been at Portaferry, you missed a lot! ;-)

Btw, Rosa is registered Mudcatter under the name of "Hardanger-Rose" (must have to do something with her beautiful Hardanger Fiddle) and Helgi is "mr. weekend"

Subject: RE: Review: Skarpi & Co.'s 'Rósin Okkar'
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 14 Mar 05 - 02:32 PM

What can I say, once again I'm one of the in crowd as I have a copy of this one too, and it's signed by the artistes, I'm so trendy. I echo everything Mick said, they are great, and you couldn't hope to meet a nicer bunch of folks. It was great to meet them all at Portaferry.
BOOK THEM NOW !!!!!!!!!!!
Giok

Subject: RE: Review: Skarpi & Co.'s 'Rósin Okkar'
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 14 Mar 05 - 02:36 PM

Just watch out for the pickled shark!

LTS

Subject: RE: Review: Skarpi & Co.'s 'Rósin Okkar'
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Mar 05 - 06:35 PM

Can't wait to get my copy! I've heard three songs from it and love them all! Thanks for the review, Mick!

Subject: RE: Review: Skarpi & Co.'s 'Rósin Okkar'
From: Leadfingers
Date: 15 Mar 05 - 07:01 AM

At Portaferry , Helgi let me have a try at his guitar , and promptly
picked up my mandoline and played a superb mandoline part ! Equally good playing Skipjacks accordian (They hadnt brought ALL their instruments due to weight) The sort of Musician I could easily hate , he is so good , except he's such a nice guy too !! Same goes for Skarpi and Rosa - They really made Portaferry something special for us all !

Subject: RE: Review: Skarpi & Co.'s 'Rósin Okkar'
From: skarpi
Date: 26 Mar 05 - 04:59 AM

Halló all, I am glad that you all like the cd sorry Mick I missed this tread like you I have been over my head In work.
But I am trying to find a way so more people can get the cd.
Well for now until tonight , All the best Skarpi Iceland.

Subject: RE: Review: Skarpi & Co.'s 'Rósin Okkar'
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Mar 05 - 08:53 PM

Thanks for the well-articulated review, Mick!

Subject: RE: Review: Skarpi & Co.'s 'Rósin Okkar'
From: Brendy
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 04:03 AM

I have to echo everything Mick has said.

I just returned home this morning after a few weeks on the road, and Rósin Okkar was in the letterbox waiting for me when I piled all of my equipment into the apartment, a few hours ago..., so I'm not totally together, yet.... ;-)

I had to just post and add to those that have already contributed their appreciation of the work

Well done, Skarpi, Rósa, and Helgi.

Did you know that track 7 'Bændur og búalið' has the same tune as 'St. Patrick was a Gentleman'

I love Rósa's harmonies on 'The Rose of Allendale', as well.

Flott gjørt, folkens!

B.

Subject: RE: Review: Skarpi & Co.'s 'Rósin Okkar'
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 09:01 AM

Skarpi - don't forget to bring some CD's with you to Getaway this fall to sell!

Subject: RE: Review: Skarpi & Co.'s 'Rósin Okkar'
From: skarpi
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 06:10 PM

I won´t I´ll bring some with me , I might have number two then.
We are gonna take some more recording.
More Icelandic stemmur and rimur and some others.
All the best Skarpi Iceland.

Subject: RE: Review: Skarpi & Co.'s 'Rósin Okkar'
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Jun 05 - 06:26 PM

This CD was waiting for me when I got home from the hospital. I listened to it several times throughout one day and still absolutely love it. You can tell when a band has been playing together for a long time...there is a seamless quality and a "rightness" to it, what Mick so eloquently said about the arrangements and support of one another.

I esp. love the old Icelandic tunes. More later, as I want to get the words to one of them. From Rosa's beautiful enunciation, I think I might be able to sing along, even though I won't know exactly what I am singing about!*bg*

Thank you, so much, Skarpi, Rosa, and Helgi!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Review: Skarpi & Co.'s 'Rósin Okkar'
From: Micca
Date: 02 Jun 05 - 05:53 AM

By a mixture of threats and pleading I got a copy of the CD brought back from Portaferry, and I am enjoying it very much (except that it has got Khatt wanting a Hardanger fiddle!!) The sheer quality shines off every track, the only dissapointment was the Icelandic version of "The Wild Rover" isn't on there, but I am assured a recording will appear in the future!!! Really good Harmony singing too, especially on the Rose of Allendale, well done Skarpi, Helgi and Rosa