Cargo Records

Melody Mountain

Susanna Wallumrød (27) has a unique way of making a song her own, and to fill the lyrics and melodies with the emotional content it requires.

Susanna Wallumrød (27) has a unique way of making a song her own, and to fill the lyrics and melodies with the emotional content it requires. This was made crystal clear with her stunning interpretation of Dolly Parton's classic "Jolene", recorded for the duo's debut album "List Of Lights and Buoys" (2004). A song covered by many artists, but seldom with such heartfelt sincerity. The same can be said of their version of "Hallelujah", one of the first songs they demoed and since long present in their live show, and now finally recorded for inclusion on "Melody Mountain". Known to turn venues so quiet you can hear grown people sob, it's only one of a string of moving performances that make up this, their second album. In addition to Susanna's moving vocal deliveries, Morten Qvenild's (28) naked and to the bone approach is essential to the way this duo come across, both on record and in a live situasion.
The songs and their origins should be well known to many, with the exception of Matt Burt's "These Days". Burt is an American artist who studied at the Trondheim art academy with Rune Grammofon house designer Kim Hiorthøy and Helge Sten, aka Deathprod.
Susanna Wallumrød was unknown before she formed the duo with Morten, but comes from a musical family, brother Christian being an ECM recording artist and brother Fredrik the drummer in now defunct rock band Span.
Morten Qvenild was a permanent member of Jaga Jazzist and a founder member of Shining. Now he is a member of Solveig Slettahjell Slow Motion Orchestra and has his own piano trio In The Country, who released their debut album "This Was The Pace Of My Heartbeat" in 2005. A new album is expected later this year.

Track Listing

Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen)
It's a Long Way To The Top (Angus Young, Malcolm Young and Bon Scott)
These Days (Matt Burt)
Condition Of The Heart (Prince)
Love Will Tear Us Apart (Peter Hook, Ian Curtis, Bernard Sumner and Steven Morris)
Crazy, Crazy Nights (Paul Stanley and Adam Mitchell)
Don't Think Twice, It's All Right (Bob Dylan)
It's Raining Today (Scott Walker)
Enjoy The Silence (Martin L. Gore)
Fotheringay (Sandy Denny)