Byggnan, by Jake Schepps

Byggnan

by Jake Schepps

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Byggnan 03:43

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July, 2018
Byggnan by Byss-Calle

One of the more influential bands in the new acoustic world is the Swedish trio Väsen. The group features nyckelharpa (a traditional keyed fiddle), 5-string viola, and guitar, yet they play music that is simply (or complexly) transcendent. Their compositions are rooted in the sublime fiddle tradition of Sweden, yet offer sophisticated modern harmonic and rhythmic twists on the tradition. There are no duds in the Väsen catalog, and I recommend listening to all of their music and listen all the time.

This month’s track comes from one of their recordings, yet is written by the 19th-century composer Byss-Calle. Traditional Swedish fiddle music is a deep well. While the music may sound simple on the surface, the “polska” rhythm (in 3 yet not a waltz) is deceptively complex. It takes an ear to find the downbeat on some pieces. Often the musicians will tap their foot on beats 3 and 1, leaving the 2nd beat to float. “Byggnan” has a strong 2nd beat which makes it easier to grab hold of for the uninitiated (such as myself). You hear Jon Sousa (guitar) and Ty Burhoe (tabla) emphasizing 3-1 at times, and Enion Pelta-Tiller (5-string violin) gets to utilize her low C-string to plays the melody in the same register at the banjo.

Here is a video of Väsen playing “Byggnan:”
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq8yDVRK3Cs

Here is an excellent clip from their latest album:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oww-dXf-6qs

Here is a closer look at the haunting sound of Nyckelharpa
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAROWiX5MGw

Here are Punch Brothers performing one of their tunes “Flippen:”
www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8fTWZABNXk
(the 3-minute mandolin solo in the middle of this is a bit excessive, yet follow through to enjoy the grand finale)

credits

released July 3, 2018

Jake Schepps: banjo
Enion Pelta-Tiller: violin
Jon Sousa: guitar
Ty Burhoe: tabla

Composed by Byss-Calle

Produced by Jake Schepps
Recorded December 27, 201 and February 27, 2018, at eTown Studio, Boulder CO
Engineered by Justin Peacock
Mixed by Justin Peacock
Photo by Jake Schepps (anchovies in the market, Piraeus, Greece)
Artwork by Duncan Burke

Thanks to Ty, Jon, Enion, Justin, Ryan Drickey, the Round Window Revue, and eTown Studio. And extra special super thanks to all the Round Window Radio subscribers.

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Jake Schepps Boulder, Colorado

Jake Schepps has made a name for himself as a banjo renaissance man, an artist with not only an adroit touch on his instrument but an intrepid, imaginative vision for contemporary stringband music. Based in Boulder, Colorado, he leads the Jake Schepps Quintet, playing longform classical works written for string band, music by Bela Bartok, and of course some good ol' bluegrass. ... more

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