Guro Kvifte Nesheim and Floating Sofa Quartet
Given that the music moved between countries with boats and trade, it’s apt, perhaps, to begin with “Devil Among The Sailors.” The set kicks off with a Swedish polska before veering into variations on the tune from elsewhere that bring into focus the similarities and difference in styles.
That’s never more evident than on the four tunes of “Sjømannsriler,” where the reel morphs into a series of beauteous tangles that includes a wonderfully lopsided take on the famous “Sailor’s Hornpipe” before moving on again to finish up in Sweden. Throughout, there’s a palpable sense of joy from the musicians, as if they’re revelling in playing together, relishing the tonal contrasts between Nesheim’s hardanger fiddle and Clara Tesch’s regular instrument, along with some imaginative arrangements that allow for ample harmonies, too, while the others all have plenty of moments front and centre, with Malte Zeberg’s bass proving the strong rhythmic pulse. Everywhere, the playing is sharp, focused and crackling and turning on a heartbeat. That precision is especially important, because at its heart this is very much music made for dancing and whirling around the floor with your partner. You can try to keep your foot still, but you won’t succeed. Kystnært is pure delight, for the listener as much as the instrumentalists, and a collaboration that definitely needs to be repeated.
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