“The Chronicles of Father Robin emerged from the remains of the band Fangorn back in 1993-94”. It has been in and out of production for over 30 years. The music evolved out of a deep appreciation, from the band members, of the beautiful and creative progressive rock made during the 1970s. This progressive rock was an inspiration to local and contemporary bands like Änglagård, Anekdoten, White Willow and Landberk.
“Andreas Wettergreen Strømman Prestmo, Jon André Nilsen, and Henrik Harmer, founded the band, and were the core members for the first four years. In 1995, they spent a year in a Norwegian folk high school studying music and working out the main frame of what would become the full concept of the Father Robin trilogy”.
Now, after considerable time and effort, and a very successful Crowdfunding.com campaign, they begin the release of the trilogy with the opening saga Songs and Tales from Airoea – Book One, which deals primarily with the state of nature, or the natural world. They will eventually release Book II: Ocean Traveller, which they describe as a (Metamorphosis), and close the trilogy with, Book III: Magical Chronicle, which they describe as an (Ascension). The triple – colored boxed set was released June 23rd, through the band’s website. The trilogy will also be released by Karisma Records; only one section at a time, starting off with the first section, called The Songs & Tales of Airoea – Book 1, which will be released on September 15th.
The Chronicles of Father Robin is a Norwegian progressive rock band consisting of members from the bands Wobbler, Tusmørke, Jordsjø and The Samuel Jackson Five.
If you are reading and interested in this article, then, you are probably aware of the legendary songwriter and musician Jim Croce. He once wrote a song titled, “Time in a Bottle”, which he released in 1972. The lyrics begin, “If I could save time in a bottle”. Well, this album is an incarnation of that dream, for a different band and its listeners. The Chronicles of Father Robin have trapped time, both the 1990s, when they first started this project, and the music of the 1970s, which they hoped to have emulated, in a bottle.
This album is a wonderful trip back to the best incarnations of Yes, mixed well with Jethro Tull. A fantastic creation which has gratefully, finally, been released for all of us progressive rock music lovers to hear. Songs and Tales from Airoea – Book One, is a beautiful and peaceful introduction to this immense adventure and trilogy story of the past. Father Robin lives in a tree, similar to the story of Winnie the Pooh. But it is there, that the stories diverge. This is a story of living in the woods of the past along the glorious simplicity of the past. The story follows the transition of the band members, through time, as they evolved and grow older through time, together, as the mythical Father Robin. Norwegian folklore dominates the lyrics and sets a soft tone for the meanderings of the velvet music.
I was already familiar with Andreas’ vocals from being a Wobbler fan, but on this album, he sounds more like Jon’s alter ego Chris Squire, who backed Jon so well, all those years in Yes. Also on this album, Andreas is often supported with Aleksandra Morozova on vocals, and she helps add to the splendor of the sound.
“Prologue”, is a short opening with the sounds of flowing water, more like, that of the ocean waves of the nearby North or Norwegian Sea. At 1:07, it provides a brief and panoramic vision of the world in which Father Robin exits. Later, we hear, birdsong and the crunching sound of walking on dry grass and stones, near the shoreline.
“The Tale of Father Robin”, opens with the squeak of Father Robins’ treehouse door. This track is another short track introducing the subject of the trilogy, Father Robin. He is described as, “the waker of our spring”, “the wandersee, the wanderer, the prince of day and light; and the brother of the night”. This track is also short and only lasts 1:17. Long enough to introduce the main character of the story, with what sounds like melodic harpsichord.
“Eleision Forest”, breaks open fast, like many of my favorite Wobbler songs and albums. This over 11 minute song is what we have all been waiting for. A stunning, and powerful trip back to the 1970’s. You can hear the organic sounds of early, Peter Gabriel era Genesis, mixed well with Yes, and Emerson Lake and Palmer keyboards. The merciful forest, where we all hope to live someday. The “kingdom of the trees”. Just like a vision out of Lothlórien, from Lord of the Rings. Remember Rivendell and Caras Galadhon, the chief city of Lothlórien, at the center of the whole “Woodland Realm”; where the elves lived in trees. Close your eyes and remember those scenes as you listen to this endearing piece of music. This section of the music, finds me also remembering themes from Jethro Tull’s Songs from the Wood, Heavy Horses, or Broadsword and the Beast, with the accompanying flute. However, on this track, there are some screams from the woodlands, along with some wonderful keyboards and piano. It is a journey worth taking, again and again. The feeling will be even stronger this fall, by a crackling fire.
“The Death of the Fair Maiden”, opens with punching drums, then regal keyboards, deep bass and soft, slow guitar chords. Then, a soaring Steve Hackett-like guitar riff. Before soothing keyboards take over. The story unfolds to soft acoustic guitar, warm keyboards and Andreas’ vocals. The story of the “Fair Maiden”, who has left and seems lost, begins…to the sound of a soft drum march. Father Moon is consulted to help locate the maiden. A wonderful story, with ancient feeling and meaning, like the stories and fables of ole, that we all grew up with as children. Over 8 minutes of musical adventure and joy.
“Twilight Fields”, is the longest and best track on the album at over 15 minutes. It opens slowly with forbidding bass and eerie keys. Like an evening walk through “Fangorn Forest”, or the “Dead Marshes”. A powerful electric guitar solo and a flute improvisation, which would make Ian Anderson blush, are your rewards for entering the ‘twilight fields’. The music continues in a mysterious and whimsical way, similar to “Naiad Dreams” or “Merry Macabre”, off Wobbler’s Dwellers of the Deep album. The bells and the guitar rhythms are magical, as is the story being told by Andreas. I will not spoil it. The middle of the track compares similarly, to the feeling of Yes’ “And You and I”, and Rush’s “2112”, middle sections, with a little of the bubbling sounds I remember well from Genesis’, “Dance on a Volcano”. A chance to dream and ponder your future, while you listen to the story unfold, with thought-provoking music surrounding your ears.
“Unicorn”, is a powerful closing track, welcoming you back for the rest of the trilogy set. It is over 8 minutes, that opens with soft acoustic guitar and flute. The closing story begins to the soft tap of drums. The electronic keyboards and sounds are as stirring as they are unique and stunning. The story takes a transformational turn as travel unknown to the ancients unfolds.
Please listen to and purchase this album for your collection, if only to hear a later take on the sounds of 1970s progressive rock we all grew up with. This album is the perfect complement to the other treasures of the past you possess. This will be a wonderful addition to your collection and a well-worthy adventure to enjoy repeatedly, as I have, since I received it. Thank you for this treasure, Father Robin. I highly anticipate the other two parts to the trilogy.
Participants and their instruments:
Andreas Wettergreen Strømman Prestmo – (Wobbler, Les Fleurs du Mal), on vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, Oberheim OB-8, Kawai SX-240, and percussion.
Jon André Nilsen – (The Few), on bass guitar, and backing vocals.
Henrik Harmer –(Les Fleurs du Mal, The Few), on drums, percussion, Oberheim OB-8, and backing vocals.
Regin Meyer – (Tusmørke), on steel flute, Rhodes Mk II, Grand Piano, and Hammond C3.
Thomas Hagen Kaldhol – (The Samuel Jackson Five, Mt. Mélodie, Macho Savant), on electric and acoustic guitars, and mandolin.
Aleksandra Morozova – (Oslo Philharmonic Choir, Mt. Mélodie, Oslo Vocalis), on backing vocals.
Kristoffer Momrak – (Tusmørke, Alwanzatar, Les Fleurs du Mal), on steel flute, Minimoog Model D, and Buchla Music Easel.
Håkon Oftung – (Jordsjø), on Hammond M100, Hohner Clavinet D6, Arp Pro Soloist, Solina Strings, and Mellotron m4000d.
Martin Nordrum Kneppen – (Wobbler, Black Magic, Wudewuze), on drums and percussion.
Special and occasional guest:
Lars Fredrik Frøislie – (Wobbler, In Lingua Mortua, White Willow), on Hammond C3, Hohner Clavinet D6, Minimoog Model D, Mellotron M400, Glockenspiel, Wurlitzer 200, Lindholm Spinet, Chamberlin M-1, Musical box and Arp Axe.
Track List:
- Prologue – 1:07
- The Tale of Father Robin – 1:17
- Eleision Forest – 11:57
- The Death of the Fair Maiden – 8:03
- Twilight Fields -15:24
- Unicorn – 8:29
Website and Social Media:
https://fatherrobin.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TheChroniclesofFatherRobin/
https://www.instagram.com/thechroniclesoffatherrobin/
You Tube and Music Videos:
https://www.facebook.com/TheChroniclesofFatherRobin/videos/813937106530403
Wow! All I can say after reading Professor Mark’s fabulous review of “Songs and Tales from Airoea” (and, um, Book One indeed…) is this: Someone book me on a plane to Norway immediately! Prior to reading this wonderfully thoughtful & most informative review I must admit to having not been familiar with either The Chronicles of Father Robin or Fangorn. How could this possibly be? Ah well…so much fantastic music from the ‘70s and ever so little time to check it all out. However, the wonderful Professor has remedied what seems to have been a gaping hole in my already vast collection of progressive rock by providing a plethora of news, history, commentary and other essential information concerning all thing’s pertinent to Scandinavian prog. Being a huge admirer of Wobbler myself, I have no doubt that the reviewer’s opinions & parsing of the extraordinary accomplishments of The Chronicles of Father Robin are right on the mark (no pun intended) and straight from the heart. Oh, and speaking of the heart – “Heart of the Sunrise” anyone? – Professor Mark certainly managed – and with not one ounce of effort necessary – to push many of the right buttons for me to sit up and take serious notice of The Chronicles. Peter Gabriel? ✔️. 1970s Genesis? ✔️.
Jon Anderson, Chris Squire (two of my personal musical gods!) and Yes??? Triple ✔️✔️✔️! Ian Anderson & Jethro Tull? ✔️✔️. Emerson, Lake & Palmer?✔️✔️✔️. Steve Hackett? A resounding ✔️! My God, I’m beginning to think that had I lived in London from, say 1968 to 1980, I would have spent half of each year in Oslo!
For any and all who read Professor Mark’s review of this most welcome album, we should thank this tremendous writer/author not just for his superb review of the music but equally as much for his nearly insane attention to all manner of extra detail.
I particularly refer to his listing of each musician involved in the recording, which instruments are played & by whom, and as a most valuable extra, other bands & ensembles with which each is associated – an extremely noteworthy resource for those of us who feel compelled and needless to say destined to investigate these other groups and their musical works. By my count, there are 13 distinct groups mentioned in the credits!
I don’t know exactly how to conclude my comments other than to express my sincere gratitude for the sensational work all at prog rock central.com continue to do, especially in both keeping your readers ever informed of the latest band news, album releases and concerts offered. Finally, and most importantly, KUDOS to all for keeping the eternal flame of progressive rock alive and well in the 21st century and beyond!
Wow! Thank you!
What a joy to read! Thank you so much Mark.
You really listened to it!
@Mark Street, it took us 30 years, but we’re very much alive and kicking. This is not a reissue. It’s a triple debut album in 2023.
Vinyl box sets still available from https://fatherrobin.com/pre-order-webshop