Needlepoint – Walking Up That Valley (BJK Music, 2021)
Norwegian band Needlepoint released this delectable album in 2020. Needlepoint is the project of singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer Bjørn Klakegg. Every album by Needlepoint is a joy and “Walking Up That Valley” is no exception.
Needlepoint combines folk-rock songwriter charm with what seemingly sounds like Canterbury-style progressive rock and psychedelia, featuring engaging vocals; masterful, intricate guitar work; vintage keyboards; memorable flute; and a creative rhythm section.
Bjørn Klakegg’s songs are full of wonder and fascinating stories. Meanwhile, the Needlepoint albums always feature captivating artwork. Rune Klakegg made the design for “Walking Up That Valley”.
The lineup includes Bjørn Klakegg on lead vocals, guitars, violin, flute, cello; David Wallumrød on Hammond organ, clavinet, Fender Rhodes, harpsichord, upright piano, Prophet-5, ARP Odyssey, ARP Solus, and Minimoog; Nikolai Hængsle on electric bass, backing vocals, guitars on “Rules of a Mad Man” and “So Far Away”; and Olaf Olsen on drums.
Special guests: Erik Nylander on percussion; and The Carry Me Away choir: Indra Lorentzen, Camilla Brun, Maria Vatne, David, Nikolai, and Bjørn.
More about Bjørn Klakegg