Thalassa

As their hybrid names imply, the Røe family are of mixed Norwegian and Greek background – specifically from Trondheim, and Mýkonos in the Cyclades archipelago. This accounts for the mix here of traditional Greek folk and rebetika standards, a Norwegian-Sámi joik (near-wordless), and gentle Nordic jazz. Oluf, in particular, has impeccable folkie credentials in several genres (Scandinavian, Balkan, Persian and Indian) while his son Bjørn contributes Spanish guitar and Venezuelan cuatro (guitar), often with a touch of Django Reinhardt; and there’s even a guest Roma cimbalom player, George Mihalache on several tracks (even if he is barely audible).

The overall quality of musicianship is high: there are great sax licks from André Roligheten on ‘Walz to Marianna’ and ‘Rumba Menesclou’; there are tsamboúna (island bagpipes) and deep-drum, approximately as heard at old-time Cycladic festivals; and there’s a pleasing ensemble swing feel to ‘Tanta Te Beate’. Oluf Dimitri delivers particularly excellent fiddle-licks on the 1920s-vintage ‘Politisa’ and ‘Masticha de Norvege’, with sensitive vocals provided by Marianna on ‘Mykoniatisa’ and ‘Lafina’. To be honest, no startlingly new ground is broken on Thalassa, yet this is an eminently pleasant outing. The recording quality is superb and the liner notes (bar a few typos) draw you in.