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Global Sounds on the Hill featuring Estonian Talharpa Duo Puuluup SOLD OUT!
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Talharpa is a two to four stringed bowed lyre from northern Europe. Historically, it has been played in the Estonian-Swedish areas and in Western Estonia, particularly among Estonian Swedes who came to Estonia around the 10th century from the Swedish part of Finland.
Curated and hosted by iconic DC impresario and musician Jim Thomson
Crossing Talharpa with electronics, Puuluup oscillates on the border of tradition and modern music styles, flirting with world music, underground and pop. Puuluup controls the vibrations of Talharpa strings through effect blocks and the looper and uses alternative playing techniques and sound generation options. Electronically amplified echoes, knocks, squeaks and scrapes are added to the soft hiss of Talharpa. The music is at times dance-pulsating and at times cinematic and dark, creeping in and carried over from the chambers of the ancient Vormsi talharpists. It sounds like original creations impregnated with tradition, references to punk classics and romantic neo-zombie post-folk with educational content.
The men themselves say modestly about their work: “Our main message in the context of folk music is that, look, you can do all kinds of things with the hiiu kandel, learn the instrument and make your own music.”
About Jim Thomson: Jim Thomson is an independent DIY music producer based in Washington DC who specializes in booking, live music production, artist management, DJ events, and record releases. In Washington DC he operates an ongoing live music series called Secret Planet DC that partners with various venues, foundations, and musicians all across the city to produce unique, intimate, and meaningful performances. He also owns and operates the Washington, DC-based boutique record label Electric Cowbell Records as well as holding down and curating all vinyl DJ residencies at The Green Zone, Cana, La Shukran, Daikaya, Le Mont Royal, Eaton Hotel, the DC Record Fair, and other bars and restaurants in the city.
Jim is also a lifelong musician and promoter, playing drums as a founding member of GWAR, The Alter-Natives (SST Records), Bio Ritmo, CSC Funk Band, Time Is Fire, and he currently plays drums and percussion with Motherf*ckers JMB & Co with Geologist from Animal Collective. One of the first concerts he co-promoted was a Bad Brains show in Richmond, Virginia in 1987 followed by years of concerts including surf guitar legend Dick Dale, Knitting Factory tours, Marc Ribot, Charles Gayle, Negativland, Medeski, Martin, and Wood, and many others.
