Áššu
  • country:Finland
  • region:Nordic
  • style(s):Joik
  • label:Bafe's Factory
  • type:Trio
  • gender:male, female
  • instrumentation:vocal, percussion, guitar
  • artist posted by:Bafe's Factory

Line up

  • Harald Skullerud  (Percussion, Calimba, Calabas, Harmonium)
  • Olav Torget (Baryton guitar, Oilcan guitar, African Konting)
  • Ulla Pirttijärvi (Joik)

Links

Ulla Pirttijärvi & Áššu base their music on traditional Sami Joik. Ulla Pirttijärvi joiks about her relatives and her home villages Utsjoki and Angeli. Olav Torget and Harald Skullerud complement the ensemble with string instruments and percussions.

The ensemble draws further inspiration from West African grooves and tradition. Their expression varies from wide atmospheres and quiet moods all the way to more uptempo grooves.

The world music scene has long enjoyed their music especially around African and Arabic tradition. This has influenced the instrumental choices and unique sound of the debut album Áššu (Embers), out in Spring 2019.

Áššu’s album Áššu has won The German Record Critics’ Award (Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik), Longlist 3/2019, Weltmusik (world music).
World Music Central, USA, 14.8.2019 : On behalf of the jury, Johannes Kneihs stated “Rough and with electrifying energy, singer Ulla Pirttijärvi from the Finnish part of Lapland “joiks” about people and others bring West African elements into the game – which fits surprisingly well and clearly convincing better than other pop-joik adaptations from Finland or Norway in past years. A rousing debut album, it makes you curious and wants more.”

ÁŠŠU 's album on WORLD MUSIC CHARTS 2019
World Music Chart Europe: May #9
World Music Chart Europe: June #18
Transglobal World Music Chart: May #34
Transglobal World Music Chart: June #24
Transglobal World Music Chart: July #39