Manafonistas

The Norwegian singer and film and theatre composer Sidsel Endresen can touch the emotions of listeners who usually run a mile from abstract improv and experimental electronica. She’s in concert here with guitarist Stian Westerhus at the 2011 Nattjazz festival in Bergen – a set that unfolds lyrical confessions like wordless folk ballads; quiet, speech-like musings; spooky gabbles and gasps; and a guitar palette of astonishing depth. Westerhus sounds as if he’s ringing bells behind Endresen’s bluesy growls on The Rustle of a Long Black Skirt, he lays hammer-drill clatters and clashing-metal noises behind her on Barkis Is Willing, and cushions gentle pieces such as Drawing an Arc or Hedgehumming. The singer’s wounded sounds skid over drones and slaps on Wayward Ho, the standout track. Didymoi Dreams takes no prisoners, and the audience reaction says much about its power, originality and fearlessness. (John Fordham, The Guardian)