Tomas Raae - Venelite (Kontentum)

The Slow Music Movement
Apr 29
1 min read

Tomas Raae is no stranger to TSMM's pages. He's a shapeshifting Danish bass player and composer who isn't afraid to electronically augment his arrangements, which often have a bit of the Scandi-noir about them, and who also has a great ear for vocal talents.

This is the second track I've picked up on from Raae's latest project, a reimagining of one of the oldest Norse ballads. Whereas, "Drømte Mig En Drøm I Nat" mined more ambient realms, "Venelite" is a more straight ahead jazz folk affair.

Raae soon intertwines his instrument with the ritualistic percussion to set a slow but steady pace as the piano bides its time, linking hands with the other members only when prudent, but just wait for that voice.

Eline Hellerud Åsbakk is back and her angelic vocals riding the trio's haunting creation again is a potent combination. There's such a purity to her vocal delivery, as she regales us with an ancient tale of a mountain king and young farm girl, that you are immediately transported back centuries to simpler, pagan times, albeit with a kick arse jazz soundtrack.