Trio Rococo - Norwegian Wood (1994)

There are literally hundreds of muzak albums by the likes of 101 Strings, Ferrante & Teicher, and Mitch Miller. Each album has a theme, like 101 Strings Plays the Ramones or Ferrante & Teicher Salute Root Boy Slim & the Sex Change Band. Most of them are easily ignored. Every so often, however, a true gem arises from the fog. Norwegian Wood by Trio Rococo is such a gem. Niels Eje (oboe and oboe d'amore), Inge Mulvad (cello), and Berit Spaelling (harp) have translated 15 John Lennon/Paul McCartney songs and one George Harrison song lovingly and meticulously. These familiar pieces take on a whole new texture in the hands of these gifted musicians. Mulvad's cello playing "lead guitar" on "Day Tripper" and Spaelling's harp solo on "And I Love Her" are highlights. "I Am the Walrus" is heavier than heavy. There is something reassuring about hearing such friendly pieces in a new light. This is truly ambient and truly unique.

~ Jim Brenholts, All Music