Norwegian musician Anja Garbarek's soft, sometimes haunting voice sings over programmed beats and beautifully orchestrated strings. Her sound is distinctively experimental, atmospheric pop that pushes creative boundaries while remaining accessible.
Garbarek's fifth album Briefly Shaking adds modern rhythms and airy atmospherics to some vocal jazz and traditional pop styles. The CD opens with the short, nostalgic intro "Born That Way". "The Last Trick" is an easy pop tune with lightly strummed guitar and dreamy string arrangements. "Sleep" is darker with crackling, glitchy beats and Garbarek's quiet, buried vocals. The track "Yes" has a delicate, music box feel with gorgeous bells and organ reminiscent of Bjork's Verspertine.
Garbarek is the daughter of saxophonist Jan Garbarek. In 2001, she received the Spellemannsprisen, the Norweigan equivilant of a Grammy Award, for her album Smiling & Waving.
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