Chateau Neuf Spelemannslag

The traditional music of Norway is preserved through the efforts of the 11 musicians and five female vocalists who comprise Chateau Neuf Spelemannslag. With traditional Norwegian instruments, including fiddle, Hardanger fiddle, accordion, and Norwegian recorder, combined with saxophone, clarinet, oboe, electric bass, guitar, piano, and percussion, the group resurrects the musical spirits of Norway's past. Formed in 1994 by musicians and singers whose prior experience included stints with classical, rock, jazz, and pop groups, Chateau Neuf Spelemannslag continue to learn traditional melodies by ear and collectively work out intricate arrangements. Their first two albums, The Sweet Sunny North and The Sweet Sunny North, Vol. 2, were produced by Henry Kaiser and David Lindley. Their 1997 album, Tjuvgods, was reissued in the United States as Stolen Goods. Chateau Neuf Spelemannslag performed their debut London show in the summer of 1999. ~ Craig Harris