I can only say thanks for such praise. I'm glad someone enjoys my versions of these old songs. If I can be an inspiration that's just so nice. Honestly, I never thought I should hear something like that. I play old blues and jazz because I quite simply LOVE the music. It spoke to me when I was a kid, and has never stopped. Up here, and down on the continent, I've had the immense privilege of playing piano for visiting New Orleans artists. They have taught me so much about time, rhythm and delivery. I would not pretend that I am in their league; I am a guest in their world. My mother tongue is spoken by only about five million people worldwide, and the culture I come from is very different from New Orleans in a multitude of ways. However, what frozen Norwegians have in common with New Orleanians is a stubborn will to survive under near-impossible living conditions, and a knack for all-night partying that is second to none. We also have a folk music tradition with plenty of 'blue notes' and strange beats, which at times somehow corresponds to New Orleans music and blues. When Louis Armstrong heard the Hardanger fiddle on his first visit here in the 30s, he is reported to have said that it was just like blues. Jazz fiddler Stuff Smith said the same. I play the music I play, and I am sometimes very surprised by the positive feedback here on UU. As a uke player, I am learning all the time, and I am blown away by many of the videos here. Once again thanks for all the nice comments. I cherish them.
