And now for something completely different. It’s that time of year when the last birds to leave turn southwards – signaling the turn of the seasons and heralding winters own music. That’s what the Siskin Quartet have brought to mind in their unique new instrumental album, 'Flight Paths'.
It calls to mind the subtleties of nature and avian awesomeness – something we take for granted, but stop, look, listen and we all know and love the musical sonority of birdsong. Remember that first lock down when suddenly we noticed what was there all along?
The Siskin Quartet is an interesting ensemble. It’s the meeting of two well-established folk music duos – with a distinctly Scandanavian flavour (see what I did there?)
Swedish-English Bridget Marsden and Leif Ottosson with Scottish-Finnish-Norgewian Sarah-Jane Summers and Juhani Silova. On ‘Flight Paths’ they weave their respective cultural traditions in new compositions, framed by the theme of migratory birds. There’s a definite Irish/Celtic traditional lilt to it all – initially, I thought it was traditional Irish music with a contemporary twist.
The theme of ‘migratory birds’ is a metaphor that every touring musician can identify with, never knowing where or when to settle and build the nest. The quartet takes its name from the Siskin, a small migratory bird found in both the UK and Scandinavia. The name has a sonorous similarity to the Norwegian sØsken and Swedish ‘syskon’ – meaning ‘sibling’ – highlighting the connection between all peoples and all cultures.
It’s a rich, evocative sound – kickstarting with the upbeat, swinging ‘The Peewit’ (the northern lapwing) with its recognisable call and stylish quiff, an endangered species now due to intensive farming techniques. The music is as full of character as this little bird who inspired Sarah-Jane’s muse.
‘April Rain’ by Bridget Marsden really does capture that moment, a little like the drip-drip-drip of Bambi’s little April showers. It’s sweet and delicate as April rain and really captures the moment.
Contrasting with the wild energy of ‘Time Flies’ and the soaring ‘Eagle Huntress’, before heading into the haze of the Nordic midnight sun in ‘Midnattsol’ – written by Leif, while Juhani contributes to the scorching ‘Fire Finch’ and the expansive and cinematic ‘Albatrossi’.
All four members of the quartet leave their specific mark on ‘Flight Paths’. Recorded in Oslo by Roar Nilsen, mixed by Juhani Silova and mastered by Helge Sten.