With his latest release MXXIV, Norwegian folk musician Ånon Egeland offers listeners more than just a collection of tunes; he delivers a deeply personal self-portrait, a sonic diary spanning half a century of musical devotion. Across its 16 tracks, the album feels like both a return to roots and an act of preservation, bridging past encounters with elder tradition bearers and his own present-day artistry.
MXXIV highlights Egeland’s mastery of the jew’s harp, an instrument he has carried with him since childhood. Rather than treating it as a novelty, he explores its depth with rare sincerity, weaving classic repertoire from icons like Mikkel A. Kaavenes and Aani Rysstad with his own re-imaginings of fiddle and langeleik tunes. The result is music that feels timeless yet fresh, pared down to its essential motifs, but alive with improvisation and nuance.
Listening to the album is like stepping into Egeland’s memory: each track resonates with the echoes of doors once knocked on, mentors once met, and lessons once learned. In a world of fleeting trends, MXXIV stands as a testament to endurance, gratitude, and the eternal dialogue between tradition and innovation.