Check out Pre Develske Drom from Henning Gustavsen. It’s a recent release from Etnisk Musikklubb, and it is captivating. Gustavsen’s voice is clear and compelling, and it is put front and center on this album. A few early tracks are sung a capella–little to no instrumentation and only an occasional harmonizing voice. These tracks are stark and memorable. In other places, however, the album is friendlier and warmer. “Det var i fjor jag tjena dreng” is one of these–the track begins with sounds of a crackling fire and then proceeds to evoke a country boy, John Denver tone. In yet another turn, “Brevet til mamma” is a drama-laden, piano-based track that shows off Gustavsen’s versatility. The instrumentation seems to grow as the album progresses–we hear the tuba, accordion, and pipe organ. Download these varied but valuable tracks from Amazon.com.
Here’s a performance from Gustavsen that captures the country side of his repertoire. This track is not on this album, but it is well worth a listen.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG8OtU1WFV8]