Fribo (Meaning “Open House”) is a unique collaboration between Norwegian singer Anne Sofie Linge Valdal, Scottish fiddler Sarah-Jane Summers and English born Ewan MacPherson on guitar. Described by Celtic Connections Festival as “…one of the freshest and most inventive acts on the emerging 'Nu-Nordic' scene, exploring and creating links between British and Scandinavian traditions, with a deft peppering of wider contemporary influences.”
After first playing around an old Edinburgh kitchen table in 2003, these three musicians found so much in common, that they decided to explore the old musical links; finding subtle ways of exchanging traditions with respect whilst expressing them anew; with an exuberant feel for contemporary sounds and rhythms.
Today after honing their musical explorations through three years’ touring experience and a very well received debut album, Fribo is rapidly gaining recognition and acclaim. The graceful blending of Voices, Willow Flute, Fiddle, Jews Harp and Guitar has become a “...zestful, vibrant, multi-national North Sea sound.” Womad
To further widen the band’s sound-scape Fribo now work with percussionists, regularly joining them on stage is Paul Jennings (Fred Morrison Band, Croft No 5) who brings his raw, virtuosic, percussion skills to the mix. Or Signy Jacobsdottir (Haftor Medboe, Capercaillie, Scottish Ballet, Gamalan Pacifica) who’s global influenced, melodic playing adds strong rhythm with suprising melodic additions.
To date Fribo have toured in the UK, America, Norway, Denmark, The Netherlands, Belgium, Wales and Ireland. Performing at large-scale events such as: Womad, Celtic Connections, APAP, Telemark Festival, Gosport & Fareham, Oxford Folk Festival, Nordlys and Blàs.
The band has been featured artist and can be heard regularly on many radio stations including: BBC Radio Scotland and Radio 3, ABC Australia, Radio Nan Gaidheal and the World Sevice.
For Bookings / Info please contact (in the first instance): Ewan MacPherson
"If ever there was a soundtrack to my life, this is what I would want it to be...this band are, for lack of a better word, awesome." ThreeWeeks eDaily 24
"Above all it’s an album that’s brilliantly produced, fun, moving, engaging, adventurous and a sheer delight from start to finish..." Songlines (Fiona Talkington) ****
"...Infectious rhythms stand next to haunting beauty." Fiddle On Magazine
"They are FABULOUS!!! " Genevieve Tudor - BBC Radio Shropshire
“…What immediately strikes you is the freshness and zest emanating from the trio." Rock n’ Reel ****
"FRIBO IS FOR ME ONE OF THE DISCOVERIES OF THE YEAR" Marius Roeting, New Folk Sounds - NL
"Anne Sofie Linge Valdal's native nous and Summers' enthusiasm for the Norwegian tradition and able embracing of the hardanger fiddle have given Fribo one of the most distinctive sounds on the Scottish folk scene." The Herald (Rob Adams)
"...Fribo's debut is full of masterly, intoxicating impressionism, a seriously rewarding and intensely original album which may well end up on my years-best list come November." Netrhythms (David Kidman)
"...music with a refreshing tang and a keen edge." Living Tradition
“New band Fribo showed they will be a force to be reckoned with in years to come”. Oxford Times
"There are a growing number of groups covering the sort of material which Fribo perform. But I’ve yet to hear anyone with the variety and finesse of this young trio..." Songlines ****
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
Releasekonsert för nya skivan "Soot" 13e maj kl 20.00 på Studio Lederman, Gästrikegatan 13, T-st:Eriksplan Varmt välkommen att fira med oss!!!! H / Boot
Un placer encontraros aqui y disfrutar de vuestro magnifico trabajo. Un fuerte abrazo desde Extremadura, España, de vuestros amigos de Aulaga Folk. Juan Carlos
Alright there, if any of you's are in Glasgow next Friday, hope you can get down to my gig in the V Club - 375 Sauchiehall St. - thats the 3rd of April!
This years festival is headlined by Billy Bragg (Friday), Seth Lakeman (Sunday) and Peatbog Faeries (Saturday) with many more top artists also performing incl the award winning The Demon Barbers.
Was that the same distil that David McGuiness did too? It sounded great. Would be lovely to meet, hear and/or play sometime in the not too distant future. Really love your tracks here. "Nu-nordic"? I like it... All best wishes Clare
