"A Summer's Night at the Crooked Forest" is a captivating album by Norwegian violinist Kari Rønnekleiv and violist Ole Henrik Moe, released on February 28, 2011, under the Sofa label. This 44-minute journey into the realms of free improvisation and avant-garde classical music is a testament to the artists' technical prowess and creative synergy.
Recorded in the heart of the enigmatic Crooked Forest, this album is a unique blend of jazz and classical influences, resulting in a sound that is both haunting and mesmerizing. The eleven tracks, including collaborations with notable artists like Brian Evans and Asbjørnsen, offer a rich tapestry of sonic landscapes that evoke the mystique of the forest and the serenity of a summer's night.
The album's title track, "A Summer's Night at the Crooked Forest," sets the tone with its ethereal violin and viola duets, while tracks like "Marvin As Troll (Trying Almost Fafner-Solution)" and "Melanesian Trolls" showcase the artists' ability to blend traditional folk motifs with contemporary improvisation. The inclusion of "Epitaph (For A. Nordheim)" pays homage to the Norwegian composer Arne Nordheim, adding a layer of depth and historical context to the album.
"A Summer's Night at the Crooked Forest" has been praised by critics, including the London-based music magazine WIRE, which lauded it as a technical tour de force. Whether you're a seasoned fan of experimental music or a curious newcomer, this album offers a compelling exploration of sound and space that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
