BJARKE FALGREN

TURKIS

Zack’s Music

Bjarke Falgren, violin/viola/cello/string arrangements; Heine Hansen, piano/Fender Rhodes/Wurlitzer; Morten Lundsby, double bass; Eliel Williams Lazo Linares, congas; Anders Holm Jensen, drums/percussion; Jakob Riis Holm, guitar; Aksel Falgren, keyboard.

This album title was chosen because Bjarke Falgren thinks of the word “Turkis” as, “… the color of horizons, where the sky meets the sea; where boundaries dissolve; where music flows freely.  It’s in that space I feel most inspired,” Falgren writes in his liner notes.

This is a beautiful album of music from start to finish.  It rises from the very first composition, like a sunrise in my listening room.  It is bright, warm and soothing. Titled “Embrace” this composition is one of ten originals penned by Bjarke Falgren.

A Four-time Danish Music Award winner, Falgren was named the first recipient of the “Ellen & Svend Asmussen Prize” by Svend Asmussen, who regards Bjarke Falgren as his musical successor. That is a high honor.

When playing his nearly 300-year-old violin, he uses a breath-like approach to the bowing of his instrument.

“I have worked with the bow the way others work with the voice,” Falgren explains. “Like a breath that is always present, even when nothing is being said.”

The result is music that prioritizes tone, phrasing, and space.  Each piece he plays draws me into the song with tender tones.  On “Il Posto del Padre” I find this feeling of hypnotic enjoyment particularly present. The double bass of Morten Lundsby ambles along with a two-feel grounding the tune. I also enjoyed the solo of Jakob Riis Hom on guitar. Jensen’s drums push this beautiful composition forward, but it is always the stellar talent of Falgren on his string instrument that cements the song into space with heart and soul.

You will hear Bjarke Falgren’s wide musical background during these arrangements, including traditional folk music, Latin flavors and rich improvisation that embraces jazz.  On his composition “Cigarillos por favor,” the talents of pianist Heine Hansen shine through during this Spanish influenced song.  Also, there is a percussive explosion during this arrangement that spotlights the talents of Anders Holm and Eliel Lazo on congas.

Falgren plucks his string instrument on his presentation of “Viola,” changing the mood by removing the smooth presentation associated with his bow.  This composition reflects a folksy arrangement.

The music and presentation by Bjarke Falgren are rich with emotion, peace and love.  As I listen, I rest in the tranquility of his musical moments.  Falgren’s playing and presentation have a calming effect on the heart and soul.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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