Lükata-Tõmmata, Hargiga-Roobiga

Jaan Rand (1879–1944) was a versatile Estonian folk musician from Kirbla in western Estonia. A master of the jaw harp, kannel (zither) and diatonic accordion, he preserved local dance traditions like polkas and labajalgs (triple rhythm dance melodies). His 1937 recordings remain a cornerstone of Estonian folk heritage and they’re the contents of disc one of this album, whose title can be translated as ‘Push Pull, With Oven Fork and Poker.’ Obscure, but they show his style based on creative improvisation. The second disc features Katariin Raska (jaw harp), Leanne Barbo (kannel) and Natali Ponetajev (accordion). They reinterpret Jaan’s music, in many cases blending their instruments to extend traditional tunes. Their approach emphasises vibrant melodies and rhythmic interplay. It’s a fun and charming ethnomusicological study. The music is chilled, naive and bright – just like the Estonian meadow in the spring glow.