Sound Guardian ( Croatia) review 5/5 points

( Google translate from Croatian)

Just four days ago, through Slide Production, the album "Rootwork" by a musician who simply goes by the name Skage was officially released.

He's a musician, a guitarist hailing from Norway named Arne Skage. "Rootwork" is his second album, and in his home country, he's known as the guitarist for Reidar Larsen's band "Mr. Blues." He's also recognized for his contributions to recordings by other musicians like Eriksen, Thomas Dybdahl, and Svein Tang Wa. I know, to many in this part of Europe, these names might not mean much, but what's important now is that the opportunity has arisen to introduce you to his new studio solo album.

On this album, you'll find musical content that surely won't disappoint. It's an excellent roots Americana album where various musical influences and styles collide, expertly fused together to produce excellent results.

This feels like a truly significant step forward towards what everyone loves to call roots rock 'n' blues. His musical narrative is undeniably original, highly listenable, charming, and danceable! It exudes the sounds of swamps, the sounds from which the mud of the delta drips. In just 36 minutes, we're served a substantial portion of first-class blues.

There's really no doubt about it, Skage and his accompanying musicians have recorded a brilliant album that has everything – rhythm, melody, and atmosphere. Indian Mardi Gras, Cajun music, street beats, second line, R&B, and Uptown funk collide and interchange within the musical content of the album. However, the definite essence of this entire musical story lies in the diverse New Orleans musical style. It's so audible and evident that even beginners won't find it difficult to discern, and those who are a bit deeper into all of this simply know there are many pitfalls. But Skage and his team expertly navigate through it all and deliver to us truly interesting and first-class musical content. It's up to you to decide and simply embark on yet another great musical adventure.

Recommendation

This second album has truly unleashed all that Arne Skage holds within himself, and thus, at first glance, I got the impression as if I already know this musician and his work well, it's actually a story that will hopefully gain its full momentum. And yes, that's exactly what happened here on Arne Skage's album "Rootwork," who simply goes by the name Skage. I absolutely recommend this album to EVERYONE, both to connoisseurs and to those who have just discovered this musical style. This is the REAL album for everyone!

For more information, visit: www.skage.com

https://www.facebook.com/arne.skage

Contact: arne@skage.com

Slide Productions slideproductions1964@gmail.com

Tracklist:

  1. Tootie Ma (traditional)

  2. Thalulah (Skage/Smith)

  3. Keeping the Blues Alive (Skage/Scott McConnell)

  4. Nothing’s Made to Last (Skage/Aadland)

  5. See You Down the Road (Skage/Aadland)

  6. Comeback on the Wayback (Skage)

  7. Viola Lee (Skage/Smith)

  8. I Yi Yi (Chenier)

  9. Word to the Wise (Smith)

(Slide Production)

Yours bluesy, Mladen Loncar-Mike

www.soundguardian.com