Solveig Slettahjell - Pixiedust (2005)

On ‘Pixiedust’, vocalist Solveig Slettahjell’s third release as a leader, borders between genres are broken down. Is it jazz, is it quirky electronica or is it lounge pop? Whatever one chooses to label the music, one thing remains true: this is utterly beautiful. Lyric passages are intertwined with quirky programming and beautiful acoustic accompaniment by the Slow Motion Quintet. Slettahjell has a smooth, lulling timbre that delivers the delicate words with beauty, finesse and understated confidence. Most of the songs on this album are penned by renowned drummer/producer Peder Kjellsby but a few carefully selected renditions of classic tracks such as John Hiatt’s Have A Little Faith In Me are included. Every song here is a gem, and the album works as a complete listening experience and cohesive mood in manner only great musicians can accomplish. From the autoharp of the opening track, Hope is the thing feathers to the ephemeral electronic blops and bleeps of the closing classic When You Wish Upon A Star the entire album is a tour-de-force for Slettahjell and her compadres who have made a true standout album.