Lillebjørn Nilsen: vocal, guitar, willow flute (seljefløyte) and hardanger fiddle; Andy Irvine: vocal, mandola, bouzouki and harmonica.
Lillebjørn Nilsen, Andy Irvine "Live in Telemark", Heilo, 1994/2021
Lillebjørn Nilsen and Andy Irvine had known each other for about 17 years when they met at the Telemark Festival back in 1994, what they both had dreamt about became a reality. Their collaboration resulted in an exhilarating concert. The live recording is finally released as an album in June 2021.
If it hadn't been for the invitation from the Telemark Festival, 17 more years might have gone by. "We got together this summer when I visited Dublin, but decided that there was no rush to practise, since we had so much to talk about. Today was the first time we really sat down and went through our material." Lillebjørn Nilsen said back then, before starting the concert with one of his own songs, “Danse, ikke gråte nå”.
The album is filled with a superb variety of songs, both serious and humorous, characterised by two performers in top form. Norwegian and Irish folk music suit each other admirably. "We were on the same wavelength from the moment we met." Andy Irvine also said back then. And that Saturday this common wavelength gave the audience an unforgettable experience.
The two troubadours complement each other perfectly, musically as well as thematically. When Lillebjørn Nilsen sings about the Norwegian emigrant who became "The Girl in Chicago", Andy Irvine counters with the homesick Irish emigrant in "Indiana".
Andy Irvine is known as one of the greatest Irish singers and songwriters and is referred to as “a tradition in himself”. He is also well known for being at the helm of such legendary bands as Planxty and Sweeney’s Men.
Lillebjørn Nilsen is a Norwegian singer, songwriter and folk musician. In total he has received five Spellemannspriser (Norwegian Grammy's) both as a solo artist and as a part of bigger groups. He is often mentioned as Norway’s “King of folk music”.
2nd Single: A Prince Among Men: »I have met a number of sons and daughters of coal miners who told me this story. A coal miner never received a decent living wage and when his sons would come of an age where they could be of some use at the pit head, they would be taken out of school and given a small job with a small, but essential pay packet at the end of the week. Their education, peremptorily finished, they would, in time, follow their fathers down into the mine. The miner in this song is determined that this will not happen to his son.« – Andy Irvine |
1st Single: Jenta i Chicago (The Girl in Chicago): »I enjoyed singing and playing the hardanger fiddle at Nevin's pub in Evanston when I lived in Chicago. This song is about a girl who showed up there.« – Lillebjørn Nilsen |
Photo Credits:
(1ff) Andy Irvine /
Lillebjørn Nilsen
(unknown/website).
