I am Eva Väljaots, an Estonian musician playing various types of kannels. Kannel is an ancient string instrument found widely in Finno-Ugric and Baltic cultures. My main instrument – small kannel – is the oldest of them and has been my main instrument throughout my musical path and studies. Recently I've completed my master's degree in folk music at the Sibelius Academy, Finland.
I am really excited to be releasing my first solo album already this April. On the album I'm playing 7-15 string small kannels and in a couple of tracks a bowed lyre called hiiu kannel. In my music there is a lot of improvisation and creation in the moment, I highly value sound quality and the music's ability to create various atmospheres. On the album I have gathered the pieces that have best reflected this in my live concerts.
The name of the album is "Hundinuiaõis * Bulrush Bloom". I have been inspired by the strength, flexibility and beauty of the bulrush plant. In addition to the ability of purifying water from various toxins, it is able to grow almost anywhere in the world, including the city district of Tallinn where I grew up called Õismäe (Blossom Hill) and to which I have dedicated the first tune of the album.
In addition, I have created illustrations, which visually tell the story of a Bulrush Bloom, a little, but brave and mettlesome character who travels around the world. You can see the illustrations animated at some of my concerts and they will also be published in the album booklet.
Fotograaf: Jorma Airola
Fotograaf: Jorma Airola
I will send the rewards out to you by post or if possible, hand them over personally. With rewards worth 25 EUR and more we can make agreements about written signatures and dedications separately.
If you happen to be in Estonia in April, I would be most delighted to see you at the "Three kannel tour" 13.-17.04 in various places around Estonia. More info HERE.
The album has also been supported by Estonian Traditional Music Centre and Cultural Endowment of Estonia.
Thank YOU very much for your support in publishing my music!
