Tost! by Harv

13 Jul

Written by Mark Keresman
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Harv are probably not inspired by The Honeymooners episode in which Ralph goes up again a bruiser referred to as "HAR-vee," but that’s OK. What they are is a Swedish quartet that explores and redefines their native folk music in modern ways, though they don’t "electrify" it, nor do they need to. Much of this music is modal and rhythmic, rich with echoes of Celtic folk and American bluegrass. The elegant, cinematic "Peer Reel" sounds as if it could be a collaboration between Paul Winter and David Grisman, reflective of a truly inclusive approach, as if all music is based in folk forms, and they bring a New World improvisational spirit to it. "Marianne Sinclaire" sounds like an ancient Irish air, full of wise melancholy. In addition, Ale Moller, whom some will recognize from his ECM recordings, guests here, adding shawm (an ancient Euro horn) and harmonica to two tracks. For those that like their world music(s) acoustic and down-home, Tost! is a disc full of subtle and willowy beauty.

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Harv
CD Title: Tost!
Genre: World Music
Year Released: 2002
Record Label: NorthSide
Musicians: Daniel Sanden-Warg, Magnus Stinnerbom: fiddle, viola; Peter Stahlgren: guitar; Christian Svensson: percussion.
Label Website: http://www.noside.com
Rating: Three Stars