CCAP

The Sound Of Stavanger

Mar 2010

Sleepyard review in Stylus Magazine

SLEEPYARD - Future Lines

Another reason to love the internet: Norway's Sleepyard would have passed completely below my radar. While the core of the band are the brothers Kersbergen (Oliver and Svein), they've got no less than twelve other musicians (including keys and treatment from Spacemen 3's Pete Kember) strapped in for the epic trip into twilight. The first four pieces wouldn't sound out of place in the dream sequences of Terry Gilliam's "Brazil". They're soaring, lush soundscapes with ethereal, gauzy guitar, fluttering flute and strings. "Hot Radio" and "Bionic Exercise" both stand out to me, the first being a lush vibe with crescendos and waves over a primal, krautrock beat while the latter sounds like the Beach Boys, if that beach was located next to an unexplored jungle. Almost primal, totally surreal. "Afternoon Suntrap" is the sound of unknown, dark and foreboding, yet inviting. It leads you to the "Tangerine Road", where angels sing you down while the rag-tag duo of old-tyme piano and pedal steel play on. "Heavy Sunset" ends the disc, prying your eyelids open with rays from the sky. The whole album has the hazy, dream-like, something you thought you've experienced before but can't quite pin down quality. But unlike a dream, this is something you can easily find and fall back into. And with the internet, there's no excuse to not check out this, or any other Sleepyard discs.

Patrick Michalishyn

Christer Knutsen tours Europe

Christer Knutsen will be touring as (solo) support for Sivert Høyem (Madrugada) this spring. Christer is also a member of Sivert Høyems band. Spring dates 2010:

7.apr, BE, Gent, Minnemeers
8.apr, D, Cologne, Luxor                                     9.apr, D, Hamburg, Uebel & Gafaehrlich      10.apr, D, Berlin, Luxor                            12.apr, D, Stuttgart, Universum            13.apr, D, Munich, 50to1        14.apr, NE, Amsterdam, Melkweg, Oude Zaal      15.apr, NE, Breda, Mezz                                        16.apr, BE, Brussels, Le Botanique                     18.apr, CH, Bern, Bierhûbeli                             19.apr, CH, Zurich, Abart Club                          21.apr, SWE, Stockholm, Nalen                                              22.apr, SWE, Gøteborg, Brew House                             23.apr, DEN, Copenhagen, Vega / Loppen  
               
Christer Knutsen has for years been active on the Norwegian music scene. As pianist in the band
Tumbleweed (nominated for the Norwegian Grammys 2003) and as guest a long list of other Norwegian bands and artists releases. Among them Thomas Dydahls "..that great October sound" He was discovered by FRODE Records A&R man, Frode Da Costa Lia, at a concert at the Øya festival 2004. Shortly after, recording deal in hand, Knutsen and the band Sacred Hearts went in the studio to record the debut album Would You Please Welcome. It was released January 2005 to the delight of critics and audiences alike. The first single, No Love #1&2, received heavy rotation on most of the major Norwegian radio stations and was among the top 5 most played music videos on Norwegian music television. The tour following the release was played in front of packed venues in the biggest cities of Norway. March 2006 saw the release of the second album entitled "Grand Hotel". As the debut, it received excellent reviews in most Norwegian press and was also noticed in some European press. Constant touring during the spring and a tight schedule at the summer festivals has resulted in a dedicated following and in excellent reviews. Knutsens musical roots are deeply planted in the American song-writing tradition and the music press was quick to place it in the Americana/Alt. Country category. CK, though, has constantly referred to his music as pure pop music, more in the lines of Big Star than Hank Williams. Sacred Hearts is the band that, live as well as on record, contributes to lift CKs music to yet another level. The band consists of Pål Hausken on drums, Magne Vestrum on bass and Lars Lundeval and Rune Helland on guitar. Magne Vestrum - bass. Lars Lundvall - guitar

Christer Knutsen on You Tube

chaotic, raucous night of drunken dancing

Geoff Berner brings his klezmer trio to Norway!

“I want to drag klezmer music kicking and screaming back into the bars.”

That’s the goal of Canadian singer-songwriter-accordion player Geoff Berner, known in Norway for his performances at festivals, on NRK radio, and as support act for Balkan-Surrealist rock heroes Kaizers Orchestra.

In March 2010, he brings his klezmer trio of drummer Wayne Adams and violinist Diona Davies to Norway. These are the musicians who appear on each of his last 3 albums, the Whiskey Rabbi trilogy. This is a rare opportunity to see the full artistic vision: a chaotic, raucous night of drunken dancing.

For advance tickets, and showtime info, contact the venue.

March 3 - Trondheim - Familien

March 4 - Oslo - MIR, with Lasso (elastique)

March 5 - Oslo - MIR, with Lasso (elastique)

Advance Tickets go on sale at MIR Feb. 1!

March 6 - Bergen - Victoria Bar. Get there early! Show starts at 8pm!
Support Act: Pål & hans fantastiske djup-psykologiske ubalanse!
Advance Tix available at venue.

March 7 - Stavanger - Cementen

March 8 - Kristiansand - TrashPop / Charlie's Bar

March 10 - Arendal - Munkehaugen Kultursenter

Facebook event
Geoff Berner website

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