Needlepoint – The Diary of Robert Reverie (Bjk Music, 2018)
Every album from Norwegian band Needlepoint is pure delight. The group is led by multi-instrumentalist, composer, and singer-songwriter Bjørn Klakegg.
The Diary of Robert Reverie takes you to a world of awe and wonder with charming poetical songs performed with a soft, pleasurable vocal style influenced by the pioneers of folk-rock in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The magnificently crafted music brings together the best of Canterbury-style progressive rock featuring various types of keyboards like organs, electric piano and synths that recalls early Caravan along with intricate fusiony guitar work.
The physical edition is worth acquiring. It comes in a nicely designed digipack with lyrics and fascinating artwork and illustrations by jazz pianist and composer Rune Klakegg, Bjørn’s older brother.
The lineup includes Bjørn Klakegg on vocals, guitars, and bass on “Will It Turn Silent”; David Wallumrød on Hammond organ, clavinet, Rhodes, juno-60, prophet-5, ARP pro-soloist, Minimoog, and harmony vocals on “All Kinds of Clouds” and “In the Sea”; Nikolai Hængsle on electric bass, guitars on “Beneath My Feet,” and harmony vocals on “Beneath My Feet” and “In the Sea”; and Olaf Olsen on percussion and harmony vocals on “On the Floor” and “In the Sea.”