Lodestar Trio present their striking debut album, one that not only exhibits the three performers’ outstanding musicianship but also presents new interpretations of baroque classics (Bach, Lully, Couperin...), folk tunes and new compositions. Together, they push the boundaries of their mystical and magical Scandinavian string instruments. With Max Bailie on violin, Olav Luksengård Mjelva on Norwegian Hardanger fiddle and Erik Rydvall on Swedish nyckelharpa, they skillfully showcase the dexterity of each instrument, bringing out new qualities, whilst paying tribute to the roots of a much-honored musical period.

REVIEWS:

The starting point for many creative partnerships often comes from a chance encounter that ignites a spark. Sometimes this spark might be bright but fleeting, like a shooting star. Other times the spark grows into something radiant and long lasting.

Lodestar Trio possess many traits that signify this is the beginning of a fresh, exciting and enduring collaboration. The three luminaries involved – Max Baillie, Olav Luksengård Mjelva and Erik Rydvall – are individually all highly sought-after musicians from seemingly different worlds but who share a common desire to explore and seek new challenges.

-- Vivo Musique

Iberi invite you to a supra feast full of gorgeous Georgian polyphonic singing! With sacred songs, historical ballads, lullabies, work songs and ‘table songs’ for feasting, they celebrate the age-old tradition of supra and its popular toasting themes. This traditional style of polyphonic singing is inscribed in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Iberi have released an accompanying cookbook to provide the full Georgian experience – the holy trinity of food, wine and song! “They look like warriors and sing like angels!” (Nick Hobbs, Charmenco Music Agency)

This latest album by Ignacio Lusardi Monteverde unearths the historical influences and musical interactions of various cultures, and their effects on the numerous toques heard in flamenco today. Within his own avant-garde compositions, inspired by his travels around the Andalusian provinces, India and the Middle-East, Ignacio embraces the original modes, melodic phrases, specific tempos and rhythms that have been developed and passed down over the centuries. “Ignacio’s willingness to explore out of his comfort zone and reach out to other cultures speaks to his character.” (Phil Manzanera, Roxy Music)