Norwegian folk music is an endless source of inspiration, and in the concert "Slåtter på kontrabass" I contextualize the link between folk music and my own music making. The most striking similarities lies in the use of overtones: harmonics on the double bass, and what folk musicians call the nature-tone-scale.

In this concert, I play my own compositions, transcriptions and arrangements of folk tunes for solo bass. The music comes from various traditions, and is inspired by a great variety of performers: Susanne Lundeng, Knut Kjøk, Agnes Buen Garnås, Eilev Smedal, Unni Løvlid, Tellef Kvifte, Ragnhild Furholt and Synnøve Brøndbo Plassen stand as sources. 

In 2024 Motvind Records released the first album with "Slåtter på kontrabass" (link here). 

Traditional ballads (vocal music) are now the focus point of my work. And the second album in the series, called "Ballader på kontrabass", will be released in 2028.

In many of my own works, I use microtonal retunings of the strings on the double bass. This is the result of an approach to adapt and play Norwegian folk melodies, with their strange intonations, on overtones on the double bass.

4/5: "this isn't a cosy ride, it's a rollercoaster of thrills and spills, emotionally charced ancient melodies stretched into new, fantasy worlds of myths and legends. Hymns and dance tunes launched into a world of virtuosity and a passion for music" - Fiona Talkington, Songlines Magazine

"It's unique, narrow, and completely enchanting (…) a technically brilliant and enormously responsive playing where every sound of the double bass captivates from the first note. Strain your ears and listen!" - Lars Brinck, Lira Musikmagasin

“Slåtter på kontrabass is Thelin’s most beautiful, moving and personal love affair with folk music. A masterpiece." - Eyal Hareuveni, Salt Peanuts

"When the material is so eminent, as is the case, then you end up with a refreshingly free folk music universe with a chamber music feel." - Ivan Rod