Bjärv
Bjärv
© 2002 Bjärv
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A Swedish Nickel Creek - this trio breathes new life into traditional Swedish Folk tunes, with stunning 3 part harmonies, innovative melodies, world class musicianship and a bewitching mix of "eurostyle" bluegrass, celtic and classical flavors
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From the back provinces of Sweden comes the music of Bjärv, an exciting, traditional Swedish folk trio. Their fresh interpretations of traditional Swedish folk songs bring new life to the songs of the 18th century. Infused with youthful charm, their innovative 3-part harmonies and improvisational musicianship make their animated performances a rocking good time for all audiences.
Surprised by the enthusiastic response of the American audiences, they sold out of cd's a few weeks into their 1st U.S. tour in 2002, returning in 2003 stocked with more cd's that dissappeared quickly. Both tours confirmed that Bjärv has a place in the hearts and ears of American audiences.
Bjärv is made up of 3 talented young men:
On fiddle is the charismatic unofficial frontman, 22 year-old Olof Göthlin. From the deep forests of Värmland, Olof was already a skilled violin player by the age of six. A former member of two acclaimed groups: "Gorm", playing jazz-flavored Swedish folkmusic; and the jazz group "Fyffes Bananer", Olof finds that playing the traditional music is like opening a window into the joyful souls of the Swedish people.
28 year-old Mikael Grafström provides both the hypnotic rhythm and the artistic nuance with his beautiful fluid guitar playing. Raised in a musical family in Ångermanland, he grew up playing different styles of music, from modern blues and rock, to the old traditional Swedish tunes and then studied with the best artists in the traditional field. Considered by some people to be one of the finest folk guitarists in Sweden, his intense, joyful playing leaves almost no listener untouched.
The youngest member at 20, on the attention-stealing nyckelharpa, is Ben Lagerberg-Teitelbaum, the American Swede. A natural musician from the foothills of Colorado, Ben was well-known to the Denver bluegrass community for his skill on banjo, guitar, mandolin and fiddle before deciding to make the nyckelharpa his life's instrument. After being awarded Sweden's Eric Sahlström scholarship in 2000, Ben was invited to attend the music academy, where he met Olof and Mikael and Bjärv was born. Now attending college in Lindstrom KS, Ben traces his Swedish ancestry back to the provinces of Västergötland and Värmland.
Bjärv's two concert tours of the U.S., especially at 2003's World Music Festival in Grass Valley, were highly acclaimed. Folks of all ages hurried to meet them after every performance, lining up to talk to the trio, ask about Sweden and see Ben's Nyckelharpa. World Fest proved to be one of the high points of 2003's U.S. tour, introducing them to a discriminating audience used to hearing exceptional performances. Bjärv proved themselves worthy of the audience's attention, as the unknowns delivered musical magic, attracting initial attention with their passionate musicianship, and holding it with their Swedish charm, stunning vocal arrangements and captivating stage presence.
Trained at Sweden's prestigious Eric Sahlström Institute, the three are considered by some to be among the finest young Swedish folk musicians on guitar, fiddle and nyckelharpa, the national instrument of Sweden.
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Plenty to enjoy a fine debut
author: Bernie PreciousI bought the album after hearing the first track on the web. The rest of the album lives up to the high standard of the opener and is even more impressive given that it was recorded live. If you are a fan of either nykelharpa or Swedish folk music you will find plenty to enjoy. If you are not familiar with Swedish music this album makes a fine introduction. Try it.
High energy trad. folk music brings Sweden to life!
author: Sarah W.I adore this CD. The songs are varied, upbeat, and a joy to listen to. It's a live recording, but the musicianship is amazing. The three young men who make up Bjarv are extremely talented and bring the old folk tunes very much to life! Accessible to all ages, this CD will likely bring grandparents and grandchildren together like no other music. I highly recommend it!
Stunning musicians, haunting vocals and a nyckleharpa!
author: Anne ElliotThe urge to touch the nyckleharpa (Swedish keyed fiddle) is the only thing left unsatisfied after hearing this cd, rather than seeing them perform live! Their original arrangements of the traditional Swedish folk tunes and the haunting 3-part-harmonies rock in a delightful way. This CD joyfully showcases their unique approach and opens up the music for a broad range of music-loving people.