Transjoik

Frode Fjellheim, who handles keyboards and vocals, has refreshed the musical heritage of Norway’s Sami population via his ensemble Transjoik. The group draws its foundation from vintage wax-cylinder captures of traditional joik, then augments those sources with what Tryggve Lundemo in Adresseavisen characterized as “an elegant use of sampling loops, electronic wizardry, and an awesome rhythmic drive.” The site www.laze.net/bestmusic.com offered a parallel assessment, noting the fusion of “shaman tribal drumming techniques with polyphonic Tibetan Buddhist chants and then tossing some earthy, ambient sounds into the mix.” Fjellheim launched the project in 1992 under its original name, the Frode Fjellheim Jazz Joik Ensemble. In addition to co-producing the recordings and composing the majority of the material, he is supported by guitarist/vocalist Nils-Olav Johansen, percussionist Snorre Bjerck, and traditional drummer Tor Haugerud.