I must confess that the prospect of forty five minutes' worth of fiddle music blending Scandinavian and American traditions didn't exactly set my pulse racing.
The sales pitch for the artist's debut solo release is that it combines traditional folk music from Norwegian fjords and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Mariel Vandersteel originates from Norway but is now based in Boston where she attended the Berklee College of Music.
Her music is inspired by her Scandinavian roots and her adopted city's thriving traditional music scene, together with additional influences drawn from travels to Dublin, Ireland and California.
I was prepared to be underwhelmed but the brisk two and a half minute opening of Hog And Sheep Going To Pasture immediately made me think again.
Most of the tracks are taken from traditional sources but are instilled with such grace and levity that the music has a fresh, contemporary feel.
This is largely due to the skill of Mariel's playing but the contribution of other musicians on the album also deserves to be recognised. These include two other fiddlers - Tristan Clarridge and Duncan Wickel, Scottish harpist Maeve Gilchrirst, producer Jordan Tice on acoustic guitar, mandolinist Dominick Leslie and Sam Brisman on bass.
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The twelve tunes on the album are varied and beautifully paced with lively dance tunes rubbing shoulders with calmer, more purely atmospheric pieces like The Schoolhouse and, my personal favourite, Huldresâ..
Above all, it's a record of stellar arrangements which bring out the grace and beauty of these timeless melodies.
Against all expectations, it is highly recommended.
Mariel Vandersteel's website
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