Member Since: 9/21/2006
Band Website: vasen.se
Band Members: Olov Johansson - nyckelharpa,
Mikael Marin - 5-stringed viola,
Roger Tallroth - 12-stringed guitar
and
André Ferrari - percussion
Influences: Older traditional fiddlers and nyckelharpaplayers in Sweden. Beatles and Sven-Ingvars.
Sounds Like:Väsen is a unique ensemble that transcends barriers and delight listeners with their music and personality.Three/four great Swedish musicians: Olov Johansson on the nyckelharpa (a keyed fiddle unique to Sweden), Mikael Marin on viola Roger Tallroth on twelve-stringed guitar and André Ferrari on percussion. The trio's/quartet music has a telepathic intensity. Together they create more electricity on their acoustic instruments than most rock bands can generate with their amps turned all the way up to "11." More than one rock critic has proclaimed them "the best band in the world".Traditional music with a modern attitude. Tremendous individual musicians taking ensemble playing to new heights. Acoustic instruments with power and emotion. This is Väsen.Väsen is an acoustic band, which features an instrument unique to Sweden called the nyckelharpa (keyed fiddle) along with viola, perc. and guitar. Väsen plays heavenly music based in the rural Swedish tradition with a contemporary flavor.This is acoustic ensemble playing at its best, with sounds that can connote classical string quartets at one moment and upbeat folk/pop another.Väsen carries its brilliant acoustic ensemble interplay to new levels with a contemporary energy and attitude that is rarely found in acoustic bands. The combination of nyckelharpa (keyed fiddle) and viola is propelled by guitar and sometimes percussion, with tunes that are irresistible and unforgettable.
Record Label: North Side (www.noside.com)
Type of Label: Indie