Himalaya Blues- 2004
This
record was recorded on Monday, March 3rd, 2003. The music here is
the result of our collaboration for several years with a group of
young Nepalese musicians who are based in the country’s capital,
Kathmandu.
During a tour in India and Nepal with The Funky Homosapiens
(yes, Knut, Hans Fredrik, Anders and Audun were sent out into the
world to spread the joyful message of funk), we were reunited with
Vajra, a band working to keep the folk music of
Nepal alive. After three concerts at the jazz festival in Kathmandu,
poetically called “Jazzmandu”, we walked over to Studio
2000, sat in a circle, took one microphone each, and let loose.
Nepalese music possesses a beauty and depth that are difficult to
describe with words. It is reminiscent of the sounds of the more
prominent Indian and Pakistani cultures farther to the south, but
its form is more “folky” and is based more on short,
catchy melodic phrases. For many years, the area where this little
country surrounded by huge mountains is found has been associated
with Shangri-La. This name has become the symbol of paradise on
earth since James Hilton wrote the book Lost Horizon
in 1933, about a mysterious, legendary land hidden in a valley deep
within the Himalaya Mountains. The people who lived in this land
enjoyed exceptionally long lives in perfect harmony, peace and happiness.
The music of Nepal runs like a murmuring brook through this landscape
of goodness.
Knut and Hans Fredrik
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The Funky Homosapiens:
Knut Reiersrud - Guitars, vocals track 3
Hans Fredrik Jacobsen - Willow flute, metal flute, og bone flutes,
saksophones, two-rowed accordian
Audun Erlien - Bass track 2,5, 8 og 9
Anders Engen - Drums tracks 2, 5, 8 og 9. Percussion track 6.
Vajra:
Santosh Bhakta Shresta - Israj, vocals
Raman Maharjan - Bamboo flute
Suresh Raj Bajracharya - Sarod
Bidur Rajkarnikar - Tabla
recorded at Studio 2000, Kathmandu; Nepal; March 3, 2003 by Bishwo
Shahi
Mixed in the 7th Floor, Oslo by Reidar Skår
Mastered by Audun Strype at Strype audio
Photos: Hans Fredrik Jacobsen, Tom Gravlie
Video: Audun Erlien, Tom Gravlie
Videoediting: Audun Erlie
Coverdesign: Elin Mack / Mackverk
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