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  | EERO KOIVISTOINEN ~ 3RD VERSION
PORTER 1511 (Barcode: 656605793429) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2010
Finland, the tiny Northern European country of ancient vast forest and crystal clear lakes is rarely ever considered, on the global scale of things, as a source of music. Some classical music connoisseurs might be familiar with the works of Finnish National composer Jean SibeliusFind albums by this artist, whose exquisite symphonies, concerti and suites are amongst the finest music ever written on this planet, but as far as Jazz, Rock or even Pop are concerned, only a minuscule group of people outside the country´s borders is aware of their existence and even fewer of their quality and significance. However, from the strictly statistical point of view, when calculated per capita, the number of bands, orchestras, choirs, composers, performers and records released in the country is calculated; Finland easily tops the list of countries. When one adds to that the highly developed musical schooling system and the open-mindedness of the Finns, who always welcome not only their own music, but any music from around the globe, it becomes quite clear that Finland, against all odds, is probably the most musical country in the word?
Finnish Jazz, which goes back in its history well before WWII and continuously developed over the years, is one of Finland´s most surprising and outstanding musical achievements. The post WWII generation of Finnish Jazz musicians was among the first to join the radical emancipation of European Jazz from the shackles of American conservatism and stagnation, developing themselves and with other European Jazz musicians a new Jazz idiom; based in the tradition and basic principles of improvisation, but also expanding the genre by incorporating elements of classical music and European folklore. These, mostly well educated players, who had a broader overall picture of music as an Art Form, turned Jazz into a highly intellectual, sophisticated and complex form of expression, which perhaps lacked some of the spontaneity and frivolity of their American counterparts, but definitely added other, not less essential elements, like elegance, multi-level and often poly-rhythmic approach and above all a much more delicate sense of melody, even if the music itself was sometimes completely free or spontaneously improvised.
Eero KoivistoinenFind albums by this artist (born 1946) ranks among the finest of Finnish Jazz musicians and is certainly one of the forefathers of modern Jazz in his country. Active on the scene since the mid-1960s, he was a member of the legendary Rock group Blues SectionFind albums by this artist and since the end of 1960s led his own Jazz ensembles. He was also one of the first Finnish musicians to study at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He also cooperated closely with the UMO Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, certainly one of the finest Jazz orchestras in the world, serving as its artistic director in the late 1990s. The complete list of his achievements is truly amazing.
Koivistoinen´s recording career as a leader began in 1968 with the recording of his first album "ValtakuntaFind albums with this title", a beautiful literary work based on poems by famous Finnish poets. This kind of Jazz & Poetry works is quite popular in Finland and the Finnish Jazz discography list many such efforts, another proof of the overall approach to music as part of culture in general. "3rd Version", his 7th album as a leader, finds Koivistoinen in the company of other excellent Finnish musicians: pianist Heikki SarmantoFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jukka TolonenFind albums by this artist, bassist Pekka SarmantoFind albums by this artist (Heikki´s brother) and drummer Reino LaineFind albums by this artist. American drummer Craig HerndonFind albums by this artist, a member of Sarmanto´s group and an old friend from the Boston days, also plays on the album. Except for Tolonen, who is mostly associated with Jazz-Rock Fusion due to his history as a member of the legendary Finnish bands Tasavallan PresidenttiFind albums by this artist and WigwamFind albums by this artist, the rest of the players are all pillars of the Finnish modern Jazz scene and all are virtuosi on their respective instruments.
Of the four lengthy tracks on the album, three were composed by Koivistoinen and one by Heikki Sarmanto. The music could be generally categorized as Fusion, but this is the European strain of Fusion, devoid of needless and endless doodling, with every moment contributing a new vista to the music. There is also a strong Latin feel to the album, with Cuban and other Latin rhythmic patters used often. The performances are of course stellar, as can be expected from such formidable participants. The solos are well structured and flow effortlessly, always faithfully supported by the fellow musicians. Koivistoinen´s saxophone (tenor, soprano and sopranino) sounds clear and eloquent at all times, soaring and diving like a bird. Sarmanto´s keyboards work is stunning, always elegant and flawless, his brother´s bass lines, steady as a rock and chronometer and yet playful and imaginative, are breathtaking.
It is truly a blessing to have this music available again, after years of neglect and lingering. Leaving it aside to be forgotten is simply a crime against culture! Thank God for PorterFind albums on this label Records, which finally makes this music available again to the general music-loving public, as they already did with other Finnish albums, hoping this splendid effort will be continued in the future. There is still so much music waiting to be unearthed.
Side Note
The above are my liner notes included on this album's artwork.
I am honored when asked by the Artists to write liner notes for their albums, always hoping that my words reflect the true spirit of the music. This is also a symbol of our mutual respect and friendship developed over the years.
The same is also true when Record Labels ask me to write liner notes for their releases, mostly in the case of reissues of archival albums, which is a symbol of their appreciation of my knowledge and historical perspective and my recognition of their dedication to the preservation of the history of recorded music and the effort to keep human Culture and Aesthetics alive.
| | Updated: 19/09/2018Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | SONNY ROLLINS / HEIKKI SARMANTO ~ LIVE AT FINLANDIA HALL, HELSINKI 1972
SVART 609 (Barcode: 6430080233304) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2023
By mid-1971 the great American saxophonist / composer Sonny RollinsFind albums by this artist returned to public performances following his “second sabbatical”, and in the summer of 1972 he recorded his first new studio album in six years, starting the thirty years long stint with the legendary MilestoneFind albums on this label Records label, which resulted in twenty-two albums, and which earned him the title of “Saxophone Colossus”.
Finnish pianist / composer Heikki SarmantoFind albums by this artist was the first Finn to be awarded a scholarship at the Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1968. His arrival in America was soon after followed by a hyperactive activity of performing on the local Boston scene, to be extended afterward also to the NY scene, where Sarmanto met, among many other American Jazz musicians, also with Sonny Rollins. When Rollins was invited to perform at the Finland Festival in the summer of 1972, he opted to play a concert with the Heikki Sarmanto trio, with Sarmanto on the Fender Rhodes electric piano, his brother Pekka SarmantoFind albums by this artist on bass and Esko RosnellFind albums by this artist on drums. The historic concert took place at the magnificent Finlandia Hall, an architectural marvel, which was completed only a few months earlier. The concert was recorded by the YLE (Finnish Broadcasting Company), and is presented herein for the first time fifty years after it was recorded. Sarmanto remembers:
“When we talked about the concert at The Finlandia Hall, we both remembered that we had a full house with an enthusiastic audience. We also remembered that Sonny stayed at the classic Hotel Vaakuna and that he bought some 10 pairs of nice bell-bottoms from the Seppälä clothing store in Helsinki.”
The music is everything one might have hoped for, with extensive improvisations and incredible soloing by the musicians. Two standards and one original by Rollins, which last between sixteen and twenty-four minutes, offer ample opportunity to illustrate both the quartet vibe and individual virtuosity. Rollins seems to be especially in high spirits and his powerful and expressive playing, full of sense of humor, is simply marvelous. He even manages to quote some hints of Jean SibeliusFind albums by this artist’ “Finlandia” tone poem as a tribute to the venue. Sarmanto’s electric piano offers a fresh aura and delicate melodious sensitivity, his brother’s bass playing swings and pulsates superbly and Rosnell’s drumming drives the music like a ship with sails full of wind and his solo, which ends the concert, leaves the audience ready for a standing ovation.
American Jazz musicians often performed in Europe and some even relocated to Europe (including Finland) in view of the racist politics and lack of Artistic recognition they were exposed to back home at the time. In most cases American Jazz musicians would come over to Europe with their combos, and the fact that Rollins decided to play with the Finns speaks volumes about his respect for Sarmanto’s talent and personality, that continued for years to come. Sarmanto mentions that:
“Later on, in the early 80s, Sonny´s and Heikki´s collaboration resulted in a major project. Sonny hired Heikki to arrange, orchestrate and conduct Sonny´s “Concerto For Tenor Saxophone and Orchestra”. This massive two-hour work was premiered in Tokyo in 1986 with Yomiuri Nippon Symphony OrchestraFind albums by this artist, conducted by Heikki, Sonny as soloist. The premier was a success, and after Tokyo, Sonny and Heikki took the concerto to Italy, where it was performed at Ravenna and Parma Festivals with Arturo Toscanini OrchestraFind albums by this artist, again with great success!”
The fact that Finnish Jazz fans are able to hear this music now, so many years after it was recorded, is a true marvel and blessing. Thanks to the tireless effort by the SvartFind albums on this label Records label, we are constantly re-introduced to important pieces of Finnish Jazz legacy, which should not be forgotten.
Side Note
The above are my liner notes included on this album's artwork.
I am honored when asked by the Artists to write liner notes for their albums, always hoping that my words reflect the true spirit of the music. This is also a symbol of our mutual respect and friendship developed over the years.
The same is also true when Record Labels ask me to write liner notes for their releases, mostly in the case of reissues of archival albums, which is a symbol of their appreciation of my knowledge and historical perspective and my recognition of their dedication to the preservation of the history of recorded music and the effort to keep human Culture and Aesthetics alive.
| | Updated: 13/09/2023Posted: 13/09/2023 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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