Album Review: Dziesmu Kamoliņš/Garland of Songs from Arta Arta Jēkabsone

Album: Dziesmu Kamoliņš/Garland of Songs Artist: Arta Jēkabsone Label: Self-Released Website: https://artajekabsone.com https://artajekabsone.com/soundspictures Vocalist, arranger, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Arta Jēkabsone's newest endeavor, Dziesmu Kamoliņš/Garland of Songs , is a collection of 11 original arrangements of traditional Latvian folk songs interspersed with original compositions inspired by them. For the recording, she embraces the past while ensconced steep in the present. F olkloric melodies are intertwined with modern imagery and balmy aesthetics, rooted in blissful soul, uplifting blues, and pensive psalms. Reflections of Celtic, Baroque, Alpine, and Baltic folk cultures vibrate throughout the tracks, wrapping the listener in a montage of sprightly cantors and soothing ballads. Her vocals soar elegantly across “Dievin, Tavu Gaisuminu!,” supported by a bopping groove that interweaves a rhythm ...