Vasen–rhymes with “delicatessen”–has an ardent following in our Cities, and it’s not just because it’s one of the best acts on our homegrown North Side label, which specializes in contemporary Scandinavian music. The trio’s instrumental takes on traditional Swedish sounds are consistently ear-grabbing, with driving rhythms and circular melodies; its secret weapon–Olov Johansson’s nyckelharpa, a keyed fiddle-like instrument with a drone string–delivers a sweet, yearning quality. The organic beats and shamanic garb of former percussionist Andre Ferrari will be missed, but after listening to Vasen’s latest recording, it’s clear they’re carrying on in exquisite form as an all-string outfit.
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