SKAIDI

Bio:

SKAIDI

Jazz bassist Steinar Raknes and traditional yoiker Inga Juuso have created music that calms the icy plateau wind and makes the dark winter months seem snug and beautiful. In the duo Skaidi, Steinar Raknes and Inga Juuso tear jazz and yoik from their respective traditions and create a new, unrefined expression that transcends both traditions. For ten years these two artists have performed together in various ensembles, they have reciprocally influenced each other and developed a unique musical energy and communicative ability. The result is a distinctive musical landscape in which yoik and bass share equal pride of place. .. Vibrant interplay

With Steinar’s compositions on Inga’s yoik, they challenge the genres and fill them with new visions. Steinar improvises over the yoik’s unique qualities and Inga uses her voice more freely than in traditional yoik. Nevertheless, they both retain their individual ways of creating music. Devoid of other instruments than bass and vocals, they conjure forth an unrefined chthonic expression, in which the mood ranges from subdued lyrical moments to reckless frenzy. The music is beautiful, stripped down, melodious and rhythmical, simultaneously as the mix of structures and improvisations render the sound-picture spontaneous and playful. Framed by Steinar’s arrangements, Inga’s voice is a sweeping tumult of vitality and life force; it is conceivable that you will return home with new-found faith in fairytales and subterranean landscapes. This encounter between two musical traditions is laced with elegance, depth and humour, and with a heart for the music.

Biography

Inga Juuso is known for her raw, direct presence and enthralling voice. She is one of Scandinavia’s leading yoikers and uses a self-taught traditional technique that has made her a sought-after artist the world over. Today she works as a regional yoiker in the Northern Norwegian county of Troms, and is unique in being the only full-time professional yoiker in the world. She has collaborated on several CD recordings and is also an experienced actor. ‘Yoik doesn’t only belong on mountain tops and in exotic places’, Inga states, and through her entire career, she has striven to develop and renew Sami musical tradition by experimenting with other musical genres.

Steinar Raknes is one of Norway’s foremost jazz bassists and songwriters. With his fearless and explosive playing style, he is often compared with the legendary bassist and songwriter Charles Mingus. Many know Raknes through his work as composer and musician in the award-winning jazz trio Urban Connection, and for collaborations with artists such as Chick Corea, Michael Brecker, Steve Grossman and Per Texas Johansson. After completing a Master of Arts (music) degree in jazz at NTNU in 2001, he has collaborated in a number of ensembles, including The Core, the Ola Kvernberg Trio and the Kirsti Huke Quartet. ‘Steinar has a unique ability to make other people shine’, Ola Kvernberg has said. In Skaidi, Steinar once again proves this to be true.

Member Since:

April 14, 2008

Members:

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Record Label:

DAT