Väsen-Duo and The Fretless - Celebration Series

 

Fans of folk music - a power double-bill!

Väsen-Duo, Swedes Mikael Marin and Olov Johansson have, after 37 years of interaction and touring, refined their sound and their stage presence to the extent that today they are unique in their kind. With their playful and perfect interplay, they seem to defy the laws of physics in what appears to be a telepathic communication. The music is intense and full of humor. They create their very own musical language which in its appeal is as modern as it is ancient. With the foundation firmly rooted in the traditional music of Uppland, they have always looked curiously at new musical goals. They have played an incredible amount together over the years in Väsen. Now they go on adventures among old fine musicians, stories and trad  tunes and at the same time they continue to break new ground. They perform on a variety of stringed instruments, including a silverbasharpa, oktavharpa, three-rowed Nyckelharpa, violoncello da spalla and a blue electric viola.  

“Move heaven and earth for a ticket.” Herald Scotland

The Fretless is an award-winning Canadian foursome has firmly established itself on the international music scene with prolific playing, masterful compositions, iconic collaborations, and electrifying live shows. The Fretless has expanded the idea of what a string quartet can be, transforming fiddle tunes and folk melodies into intricate, high-energy arrangements. Their ensemble of two fiddles, a viola, and a cello produces a rich, multi-layered, and distinctive percussive sound that redefines contemporary folk music. 

"You can feel the live audience leaning forward, reflecting the lilting energy of the modern-flavoured percussive chopping and the timeless jig and reel drive back to the Fretless, who give it directly back to their audience. It's almost as if they know they're transporting each listener to a back porch, dance hall, or barn party with every bow stroke."
— The Bluegrass Situation