Hartwin Dhoore - Valge Valgus (2021) Hi-Res

The talented band of brothers Trio Dhoore from Flanders in Belgium have had some well-deserved exposure beyond their Flemish borders. Their original and contemporary vision of folk music is quite inspiring. It has led to Ward Dhoore (Trio Dhoore, Spilar, Estbel) and Jeroen Geerinck (Hot Griselda, Spilar, Novar) founding the Trad Records label, a home for similar like-minded musicians. The label’s latest offering comes from the accordionist and middle brother of the trio, Hartwin Dhoore. He is joined by Estonian musicians Carlos Liiv on guitars and vocals and Sofia-Liis Kose on violin and vocals.

The album, Valge Valgus, grew its roots while Hartwin lived in Estonia between 2015-2021. Despite having a population of 1.3 million, folk music from the region has proven to be a popular export with the likes of Trad Attack, Maarja Nuut, Mari Kalkun, Tuulikki Bartosik and the recently featured Duo Ruut performing to international audiences.

In seeking a comparison, the likes of Leveret may spring to mind for some on the opening of ‘Algus – Beginning’, but Hartwin Dhoore Trio’s more contemporary signature soon takes precedent as an accordion and violin melody builds in fervour and pace, punctuated by Liiv’s percussive guitar. A wordless harmony lends a contemporary edge with the accordion now morphing into a more powerful play, not dissimilar in places to Martin Green’s driven playing on LAU’s sonic adventures, but this is more cohesive, without the playful collapse and reconstruction that LAU so enjoys performing.

The trio’s music holds a strong organic feel in how it builds and moves, as can be heard on ‘Hoovus – Flow’, which opens to a flowing accordion and violin melody. Liiv’s guitar then overlays a muted groove ahead of a more driven section, the piece building and sounding larger than what three musicians may be capable of producing.

The dance of electric guitar and plucked violin on the opening of ‘Udu – Fog’ is infectious, echoing the stillness of a foggy landscape. The sombre melody holds you in its sway, but it also has blissful moments, none more so than when Kose’s voice joins towards the end, with all three briefly taking flight before it’s all over.

While the album’s liner notes are quite sparse, Hartwin Dhoore does state that Valge Valgus “is a musical reflection of all the beautiful landscapes and people I’m surrounded with. I hope the peace, love and joy I find here will rech you through this instrumental story.” That’s quite a telling statement; while influenced by traditional music, these are original compositions heavily influenced by place and people; this music is, therefore, outward-looking and constantly evolving. Just like Hartwin, it revels in not standing still, travelling and performing with others. Estonia has a relatively small population, with 50% of the country covered in forest and a quarter of their land protected. You can imagine how striking a country Estonia may appear to an outsider. Many Estonian musicians reference nature in their music and that same connection can be felt throughout Valge Valgus.

Whilst voices are not absent, words are; the music does all the talking. It’s meditative in places such as the aptly titled ‘Peegeldused – Reflections’, a serene piece that’s followed by the playful ‘Kajakad – Seagulls’. There are exploratory or experimental meanderings throughout, lending their music a contemporary edge, although their melodies maintain a traditional feel. This juxtaposition makes for an enticing listen that can be both hypnotic in the melodic patterns it paints, which are punctuated by some more transitory fleeting moments as beautifully demonstrated on the winter-kissed ‘Labürint – Labyrinth’ which also includes some smooth brass.

The accompanying press mentions a colourful and melancholic universe reflecting the world around him, but I don’t perceive melancholy in the music, which I appreciate can be subjective. It’s reflective and shimmers throughout. Is it colourful? Absolutely, but subtle brush strokes are used to express such vibrancy. These subtle and thoughtful approaches make this all the more inviting a listen. The compositions have an intense emotional energy, and this shines through in the finale ‘Valge Valgus – White Light’.

The album is described as ‘Estonia through the Eyes of a Belgian accordionist transposed into an instrumental adventure’. In a world that seems to spin faster by the year, we all need some time out, some inner peace. Many look for that in nature, and this music successfully draws from that. It has no barriers to language; it transcends it.

Valge Valgus is a deeply rewarding and remarkably perceptive album from three skilled and intuitive musicians. The music effortlessly transports the listener, making it a treat to return to with repeated listens revealing yet further nuances. A refreshing and exceptional collaboration.