On his third album, recorded for HUBRO, as the other two: debut Bedeus & Hawaii and following Fengselsfugl , guitarist and composer, Trond Kallevåg, sets sail and explores the stories and mystique of American music and culture. With a cinematic quality reminiscent of Ry Cooder and Bill Frisell, it draws inspiration from transformative journeys of hundreds of thousands of Norwegians who embarked on transformative journeys across the vast ocean.
To bring his stories to life, Trond has assembled a stellar ensemble of esteemed young Norwegian musicians, including Selma French, Daniela Reyes, Håkon Aase, Jo Berger Myhre, and Ola Øverby. These talented individuals, who also boast successful solo careers, are revered figures in today’s vibrant Norwegian music scene.
Drawing from Norwegian hymns, old broadside ballads and Americana, “Amerikabåten” (trans. The American Boat) builds upon Trond’s unique sound, incorporating the vast expanse of American folk music. Trond’s guitar serves as a tool for musical expression, providing a melodic foundation and narrative quality that allows fellow musicians to shine. Trond expands his sonic palette, complementing his masterful guitar skills with the haunting melodies of the pedal steel guitar. Trond’s compositions and meticulous production are integral to his creative process, bringing his artistic vision to life. Composing and mixing all the music himself, Trond’s honest and lyrical instrumental expression earning him praise from critics worldwide.
Trond Explains: “Amerikabåten” explores my deep admiration and fascination for American culture and the transformative journey aboard the America boats, back when countless Norwegians traversed the ocean to America until the mid-20th century. It was a time when the sea provided a liberating sanctuary for individualists and those who didn’t conform, including the newly religious and lawless. My grandparents shared stories of close relatives who ventured to America, resulting in cultural connections, particularly along the Norwegian coastline where I grew up.
Trond Kallevåg’s “Amerikabåten”, merges traditional Norwegian and American music into a fresh, contemplative and thrilling ride across the ocean with some of Norways finest young musicians.
***
credit : Erlend Berge
new album:
Amerikabåten
TROND KALLEVÅG
formats: LP / CD / DL
label: HUBRO
release date: 10th November 2023
cat. no:. HUBROLP3658 / HUBROCD2658
Tracklist:
1. “First letter from America”
2. “Amerikalinjen” (The name of a renowned Norwegian vessel that operated between the United States and Norway from 1913 until 1971, when it ceased its operations due to the rise of commercial air travel.”
3. “Fargo” (Refers to the place in America)
4. Chief
5. “Ørkenen Sur” (Was the name of a refuge for unemployed and homeless Norwegians in the 1920s, located on a garbage dump in a railroad yard in the Red Hook waterfront area of Brooklyn.”
6. “Québec” (Refers to the place in Canada where many Norwegians arrived by boat during the Great Emigration.
7. “The Quakers” (The first 52 Norwegian emigrants to arrive in USA in 1825. They where part of the Quaker religious society.
8. “One Way Ticket”
9. “Last letter from America”
Line up:
Trond Kallevåg: guitar and pedal steel guitar
Daniela Reyes: accordion and guitar
Selma French: violin, hardanger fiddle, guitar and vocal on “Enveisbillett”
Håkon Aase: violin, guitar and harmonium
Jo Berger Myhre: bass guitar
Ola Øverby: drums and musical saw