Music for all the senses but also for the brain – that’s the best way to describe "Boahjenásti – The North Star". The title tune is by Johan Sara, Jr. from Norwegian Lappland. Johan Sara, born 1963 in Kautokeino, Finnmark, belongs to the new generation of traditional Sami overtone singers, the original inhabitants of Lappland. This vocal style is called "Yoik". It sounds guttural and raspy, is related to yodelling and is wordless, just like jazz scatting. It’s also partly improvised. It often pushes towards the link with nature, in particular the landscape of Lappland and its wild animals. In Kautokeino, Johan Sara’s home town, a "Sami Grand Prix" takes place every year with local singers. Johan Sara can be heard clearly on Geir Lysne’s arrangement of his song – in moments of incredible sensual plasticity. Of which there are many on the CD anyway.

"This excellent, even magnificent recording from Lysne is essential listening for anyone interested in the more creative currents of Nordic jazz today."

(JAZZ JOURNAL, UK)

German Record Critics' Award 2006