Blikkspor

Old Norwegian tradition is exquisitely embodied in the playing of this young virtuoso Hardanger fiddler, who has garnered a pair of prestigious local artist awards over the last two years. The tunes here are very short, with 17 easily delivered during the album's lean playing time; ten of them are Apneseth originals, and inclined towards improvisatory tangents. On ‘Springar’, the bow drags lightly with a swing sensibility, alternately making trilling embellishments. For the second part of the tune, time operates on two, or even three, levels, a traipsing melody line hovering over a pacy boot-tread. Most of the tunes find Apneseth completely alone, but an end-placed cluster features overdubbed plucks and bows, or a full percussion array, suited to some spirited, swirling dance moves. Producer Arve Henriksen also lays down some very subtle trumpet parts.

Apneseth's phrasing takes a wandering path, some notes sustained, others making graceful turns, often at complete right angles. With sudden flourishes dotting Apneseth's serpentine bowing streams, he manages to make a stark set of resources speak an almost orchestral language.