Here’s an intriguing release by a lady that doesn’t get much attention this side of the Atlantic. Scandinavian singer Cathrine Legardh has put out a couple other releases on the Danish label Storyville, a company better known for its mainstream/swing reissues than cutting edge post bop. However, this lady, joined with alto saxist Sigurdur Flosason and a lithe rhythm team (Peter Rosendal/p, Lennart Ginman/b Andreas Fryland/dr) put out 2cds worth of original material. The lyrics are divided into English (the “Land” disc) and Danish (the “Sky), while the music itself is spacious and Spartan. Legardh herself has a style of delivery that hints at the relaxed experimentation of Betty Carter and the regretful and languid swing of a Carmen McRae. Songs like “Lost In The Woods” and “Rifter og sar” flow like boundary waters, while Flosason’s alto glows like northern lights. Enchanting sounds.
Storyville Records
www.storyvillerecords.com