Danish folk music’s super duo of Andreas Tophøj (fiddle) and Rune Barslund (accordion) released Trails and Traces in 2020 but I just discovered it.
Really, there’s so much good music and so many great albums released in the Celtic, British and Nordic folk music scene that I like to highlight also older releases – there’s always a good chance they will be new arrivals to some of you.
Besides, this is just my blog, not a professional trade magazine 😉
So there. Now on to the music.
…of which I actually have not so much to say because in the world of Nordic folk, I’m just someone who likes it, so I won’t even try any detailed analysis here.
What I will say is this: Trails and Traces is an utter delight: a warm and downright embraceable collection of mostly original tunes, with some traditionals in the mix.
It’s always a great joy listening to musicians who seem born to play their music. Andreas and Rune play beautifully together on both faster tunes and achingly beautiful slow ones.
Finland’s own folk music grand maestro, Timo Alakotila, appears on three tracks to add his trademark shining, gentle piano and Denmark’s Sine Lahm Lauritsen gives a lovely vocal performance on Rosen.
I stopped on my tracks on one tune, wondering if I had heard this album before after all… But no: the lovely Vals til Mor og Far (Waltz to Mother and Father) was very recently covered by Tara Breen, Pádraig Rynne and Jim Murray on their excellent album Odyssey that I warmly recommend (read my thoughts on it here).
All in all, Trails and Traces is, for me at this time of year here in the Nordics, like a comforting blanket and a warm light – genuine Danish hygge in musical form! Absolutely lovely and probably beneficial for one’s mental health, too 😊
Trails and Traces is available on streaming platforms but if you want to support the artists, go to https://folkshop.dk/shop/31-go/610-andreas-tophoej-amp-rune-barslund–trails-and-traces/https://folkshop.dk/shop/31-go/610-andreas-tophoej-amp-rune-barslund–trails-and-traces/ to purchase your copy.
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