Thursday, 20 March 2014 10:10

RECORD REVIEW: Kristin Skaare - Er

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Kristin Skaare has released a new album at KKV. The name is "er".

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Originally published in Norwegian in october 2013

It is not close between each solo release from Kristin Skaare. But that does not mean activity level is moderate. On her  resume, we find a comprehensive list of both Norwegian and international scale, where James Burton and former member of The Band - Rick Danko - perhaps the most distinguished.

Among Norwegian artists, the cooperated with Kari Bremnes captures the greatest interest. Kristin Skaare was there during the golden age of Kari Bremnes, the CDs "Spor" and "Gåte ved gåte" . Also by many considered the musical (and audiophile) highlights from Kari Bremnes.

Former solo releases are "Amoraroma" and "Var" . Her debut album Amoraroma on KKV came in 1999, and was a tone setting of 12 of Inger Hagerup`s poems. This record is distinguished from other releases  by Kristin Skaare in that she also sings. And with great success  - she has a distinctive vocal that makes Amoraroma a record that stands out.

Kristin Skaar s previous release was out in 2008, and was released on the label "grammofon". Trio Jazz in collaboration with Bjorn Kjellemyr on bass and Jon Christensen / Erland Dahlen on percussion. The album produced by Jan Erik Kongshaug is beautiful and low-key, but confident, and associations both Tord Gustavsen and Keith Jarret Trio, when they are in their soft corners.

In the latest release , "er" Kristin Skaare returned to KKV. On this record Kristin Skaare has again Erland Dahlen on Percussion. She also has two great strings - the couple Ole-Henrik Moe and Kari Rønnekleiv. In addition to that Moe has a background in Motor Psycho, they have together released very exciting album Ciaccona / 3 Persephone Perceptions. Reported from London the characteristics could have been something like "not your average violinists."

This release is even more low-key than previous ones. Despite the clear similarities, there are also a very large scope. On the record "er" it even more obvious that this is a solo project from Kristin Skaare. The piano is very much in focus, and is also alone on many of the tracks. There is no traditional virtuosity to be found in playing style, rather a reflection of well-chosen notes.

Like its predecessor "Var" , also "er" comprises a mixture of interpretations, and her own compositions. Til Ungdommen is a strong association to 22. July, while Vår Flues Kirke plays on far brighter strings.

And apropos strings - although Kristin Skaare`s piano is uncontested in the center, the violinists contribute to a very strong character on this release. They add support to the unsentimental and direct identity of the record,  and using a playing technique I should not dare to provide a technical description of. The result is incredibly exciting, and provides a comprehensive backdrop that is present even on the tracks where Kristin Skaare playing alone.


The sound of "er"

This review is based on the downloaded version in 24 bit / 48kHz, streamed with a Linn DS Akurate. Basically, this is a somewhat unusual resolution, but is used earlier of KKV. 48kHz is so moderate that one can dwell on whether it is really Hires. 48kHz is not very much more than the 44.1 kHz on standard CD. On the other hand 48kHz represents a doubling of the distance to what is considered the audible frequency range, thereby providing the opportunity for a completely different comfortable filter curve.

The acid test is as usual what your ears say on the matter. And in this case defeat any doubts about if this is real Hires. It is an incredibly wonderful airiness, and combined with apparently total absence of dynamic compression does this sound support giving a real nerve to the release.

"er" is all in all a very nice and rewarding release from Kristin Skaare. I'm already looking forward to next release

 

Read more about "Is" at KKV.

 

Read other articles at Audiophile.no about releases from KKV:


Read 3530 times Last modified on Thursday, 20 March 2014 11:03
Karl Erik Sylthe

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