Album Notes

Since early 2003 singer Ragnheiður Gröndal (Ragga) has been collaborating with her brother Haukur Gröndal exploring Icelandic folkmusic in its various forms. This has resulted in the album "Þjóðlög" released on the "12 Tónar" label in 2006. The album was very well received in Iceland by critics and the general listener as well.
In early 2009 Ragnheiður decided to put together a group under the name "Icelandic Folk Ensemble" in collaboration with Haukur Gröndal and guitarplayer Guðmundur Pétursson (GP).

In this project the focus is on rearranging, in as many and colorful ways possible, the Icelandic folklore with special emphasis on the rhythmic elements in the music. With the use of two percussionists, a guitarist, folklore clarinet and Ragga's mystical interpretations of the often dark and melancholic lyrics and folklore melodies, the group has found a fresh new sound.

The music is inspired by various folkstyles e.g. Irish, Bulgarian and Scandinavian folkmusic.

The result of this can be heard on "Tregagás" the new album released in October 2009 on the Reykjavik based label Sena.

Short bio :

Ragnheiður Gröndal, also known as Ragga, was born in 1984. She has been active on the Icelandic music scene since the year 2000.

Ragga has released six solo albums and she has performed all around Iceland as well as in Scandinavia, England, America, Canada, Scotland, Germany, Turkey and Bulgaria. Among perfomances are: Copenhagen Jazz Festival 2005, Icelandic Symphony Orchestra 2006, T.Rex memorial concert with Tony Visconti in Central Park NYC 2007, concerts at The Stone and Cornelia Street Café NYC 2007-2008.

Ragga has received three nominations at the Icelandic Music Awards:
-Best New Artist 2003
-Singer of the Year 2004
-Album of the Year 2004