Dozo
The intimate duo format is extensively explored by saxophonist Rolf-Erik Nystrøm and vocalist/guitarist/percussionist/djembe and dodo player Kouame Sereba. The two have contrasting backgrounds; while Nystrøm devotes much of his focus to contemporary post-classical music, Sereba is a master of Côte d'Ivoire’s rich musical tradition. Despite the apparent south/north-meeting aspect of their partnership, the two manage to transcend traditional world-music/crossover conventions, partly due to the fact that the two have performed extensively since 1995, and also because of their strong will to explore and break new grounds. Their extensive performance resume lends itself to a strong confidence which in turn results in two musicians that dare to play minimalist and lyric passages that are honest and naked, while at the same time contrast this minimalism with uncompromising and challenging outbursts of lively improvisation.
Headlines:
Himmelkvad
Celebrated vocal ensemble Nordic Voices is currently out on its promo tour for their new outing ‘Himmelkvad’, a critically acclaimed album presenting Norwegian composer Lasse Thoresen’s unique vocal universe. MIC Norway takes a closer look at the cutting-edge vocal ensemble and ground-breaking composer.
I was the devil in my younger years
Late Feb sees Enslaved heading out on a month-long European tour. MIC Norway hooked up with Enslaved’s Ivar Peersen to talk about musical cross pollination, inspirational sources, humour and his fascination for singer-songwriter Stein Torleif Bjella.
