Trollsang

And it is about magical moments when old meets new. Three instrumental pieces, four medieval ballads, two sung dance tunes, and three atmospheric songs - twelve exciting musical tales about grumpy mountain giants, malicious water sprites, mystical elves and seductive wood nymphs - display Kerstin Blodig's talents as a composer, arranger and as a versatile musician. 'Trollsang' is not meant to be a purist traditional folk album. Kerstin Blodig's love of Norwegian traditional music and her passion for groovy modern guitar music (as with her 'guitar heroines and heroes' Vicki Genfan, Don Ross and Michael Hedges) let her successfully combine these two different elements to create an exciting, innovative blend of old and new. Her expressive, sensual vocals mix with her virtuoso guitar playing or her groovy bodhràn technique. On four ensemble pieces out of twelve tracks, Kerstin Blodig is accompanied by her marvellous colleagues such as Ian Melrose on whistles and electric guitar, Kristine Heebøll on fiddle, Urs Fuchs on percussion and Peter Jakk on bass. ------------ quot;Trolls, fairies, water spirits, mountain giants, elf kings and little people - those are the main characters in Kerstin Blodig's sung fairytales. Even though the songs are mainly traditional and medieval ballads from Scandinavia, the singer and guitarist manages, without being corny, esoteric or evoking associations of quot;Ronia, the Robber's Daughterquot;, to transport the listener into the world of Nordic mythology. - Blodig is a first-class guitarist, easily on a par with Michael Hedges or Don Ross, and she graces the traditional folksongs with her imaginative playing. Innovatively she slaps and taps the strings and, if it serves the song, let's her instrument groove. Because the arrangements of the songs are minimalistic, her virtuosity as an instrumentalist really shines. Above all this a soaring crystal-clear voice. Enchanting!quot; Blue Rhythm 'With her voice ... crystal-clear like pure water freshly flowing from a mountain source, she brings forth the various emotions with originality and passion.' The Sunset Magazine quot;Blodig impressed us with one of the most expressive voices I've ever heard.quot; Glåmdalen, Norway quot;Her voice is a wonder, soft yet insistently rivetingquot; Jim Fowley, USA quot;...this is wonderful work, excellent recording and sonic aesthetic; the performances really shine - Kerstin: You are the lady of the lake... legend has it that your spell is set the moment you whisper in the ear ... - (I should know ... she turned me into a newt!) Del Vezeau, Canada.