Spove

The Eurasian curlew (spove in Norwegian) migrates between Norway and Syria, bequeathing a perfect name for this Norwegian/Syrian group’s debut album. Chance encounters brought together folk singer Silje Risdal Liahagen and violinist-composer Inger Hannisdal (who has trained in Norwegian and Arabic music traditions) with Oslo-based Syrian singer Nawara Alnaddaf. The three began performing together, with the singers sharing one another’s languages. Along with bassist Adrian Myhr, they developed a soundscape that, along with ney, oud and daf, reflects both rich cultural lineages and a palpable joy in collaboration. ‘Mariam Mariamti’, a well-known Arabic song, is shared by both singers before they move effortlessly into an old Norwegian ballad. The sound of the ney here embraces Arabic traditions while also potentially recalling the Norwegian willow flute. Throughout the album, seamless shifts between cultures are handled with deep creativity and sensitivity. Compelling.