Stolen Goods

Amazon.com
Chateau Neuf was featured on Sweet Sunny North, the Norwegian hootenannies put together by Henry Kaiser and David Lindley, but nothing on those discs prepares you for the unbridled energy and exuberance the band now exhibits. The group includes two Hardanger fiddlers, five female vocalists, bass, guitar, drums, two clarinets, three saxes, oboe, accordion, and two Norwegian recorders. But despite the crowd on stage, the arrangements are as crisp and wide open as the Norwegian landscape. Every tune on this 16-track collection bubbles over with stunning musicianship. The women singers have a bright, cheery sound that instantly warms the heart; they bring to mind the vocalists in Varttina, while the combination of woodwinds and strings give the backing tracks a big, full, mellow sound. --j. poet

Tracks:

Halling From Numedal
Guten Min/Fille-Vern
Den Store Pai-Polsen
Fjellmannjenta
Si Vil Du Med Meg
Halling After Thorvald Tronsgard
Roseleiken
CP-Slatten/Vetleguten (Tune For CP/Lullaby For Vetle)
Hopparen (The Jumper)
Skalle-Per
Wedding March From Engerdalen
Jenteokk (Girl Call)
Tversover'n (The Bow Life)
Faut Marit's Polska
Gubben Garberg (Old Man Gerberg)
Lilleboa (Little Brother)

Amazon.com

Chateau Neuf was featured on Sweet Sunny North, the Norwegian hootenannies put together by Henry Kaiser and David Lindley, but nothing on those discs prepares you for the unbridled energy and exuberance the band now exhibits. The group includes two Hardanger fiddlers, five female vocalists, bass, guitar, drums, two clarinets, three saxes, oboe, accordion, and two Norwegian recorders. But despite the crowd on stage, the arrangements are as crisp and wide open as the Norwegian landscape. Every tune on this 16-track collection bubbles over with stunning musicianship. The women singers have a bright, cheery sound that instantly warms the heart; they bring to mind the vocalists in Varttina, while the combination of woodwinds and strings give the backing tracks a big, full, mellow sound. --j. poet

Customer Reviews:

"Norway's Traditional Folk Big Band!" is a Revelation!.......2002-04-12

The best thing to come out of guitarists Henry Kaiser and David Lindley's Norwegian "The Sweet Sunny North" sessions was this eye-opening band. At the time of this album, the band had 18 members, including 5 female vocalists, 2 fiddles, 4 saxes, 2 clarinets, oboe, and rhythm section. The inspired arrangements bring elements of rock, jazz, etc. to Norwegian folk music. The description may not sound appetizing, but the music will make your jaw drop open. This album is a sheer revelation. The sound has the liveliness of the best big band music, at times capturing an almost klezmer feel. It's a shame that the North Side label doesn't release Chateau Neuf's other albums in America. I want more!

Interesting, lyrically sound ska with a French twist..........2001-07-29

The moment you hit play on the first track of this CD, you're treated to a delightful brass-ska hook, and it's all good from there. This first track, titled "Hailing from Numedal" and comprised of said hook and a plethora of fascinating lyrics, sets the stage for one great ska CD. Tracks like "The Great Pie Pols" and "Roseleiken" keep up the snappy, catchy, yet non-mindless image. Ska fans, don't be turned away by seemingly geeky track names. What lies beneath is some great tunes, with nothing so out of the ordinary that you can't at least partially relate to it. While not perfect, definitely an album worth picking up. You won't regret it.