Stone Chair
Bukkene Bruse are a Norwegian quartet that features the Hardanger fiddle, an instrument with drone strings that give it a light, open sound unlike that of a standard violin. While the star of the band is undoubtedly fiddler Annbjørg Lien, the quartet is not a star vehicle, but a cohesive ensemble of fiddles, flutes, voices, and electronic keyboards that has a slightly austere, almost medieval sound. Don't expect driving fusion or aggressive folk-dance numbers. On this collection of tunes from Bukkene Bruse's 1995 and 1998 CDs (previously only available in Norway), they focus mainly on traditional material, from lively dance tunes to stately ballads, and deliver them in understated arrangements that emphasize the melodies rather than clever production.--Louis Gibson