Record Reviews

JUKKA HAURU / NONO SODERBERG / FINNFOREST / ELONKORJUU ~ POP LIISA VOL. 05 & VOL. 06 SVART 009 ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1976 - 1977 Released: 2016 The "Popstudio" / "Jazzstudio" broadcasts were usually dedicated to one band / artist, but in some cases two acts were combined into one show, which allowed each of them just about twenty minutes to perform, as is the case on these two sessions. Guitarist / composer Jukka HauruFind albums by this artist appeared already on the "Pop Liisa Vol. 01 & Vol. 02Find albums with this title" album some three years before this recording was captured. In the meantime he released his second album "EpisodeFind albums with this title" (on LoveFind albums on this label Records), but the band playing here was completely different from the crew that recorded the album, except for the violinist Juhani PoutanenFind albums by this artist. The other players are pianist Eero OjanenFind albums by this artist, bassist Tapani TamminenFind albums by this artist, drummer Esko RosnellFind albums by this artist and percussionist Ari ValtonenFind albums by this artist. They perform just one extended instrumental composition by Hauru, a six-part suite, which did not appear on any of his albums, a complex Jazz-Rock Fusion piece featuring lengthy Jazz improvisations. Guitarist / composer Nono SoderbergFind albums by this artist released his debut album "NonoFind albums with this title" about a year before this recording was captured and two of the pieces from that album, which were composed by him, get expanded renditions here by a band which also includes saxophonist Reijo YlinenFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Esa KotilainenFind albums by this artist, bassist Harri MerilahtiFind albums by this artist, drummer Roope KoistinenFind albums by this artist and percussionist Esa RoswallFind albums by this artist. The music is more conventional Fusion oriented, with melodic themes and some Prog elements as well. By the time the second broadcast presented here was captured (early 1977), the so called "first wave" of Finnish Progressive Rock / Fusion bands was almost over with Tasavallan PresidenttiFind albums by this artist already disbanded and WigwamFind albums by this artist about to be disbanded after switching to more Pop oriented music. This gave an opportunity to the "second wave" of Finnish Prog / Fusion bands like those appearing here to capture the scene. FinnforestFind albums by this artist already had two excellent albums under their belt, the eponymous debut "FinnforestFind albums with this title" from 1975 and the follow up "Lahto MatkalleFind albums with this title" from 1976, both released on Love Records. Founded by the brothers: guitarist Pekka TegelmanFind albums by this artist and drummer Jussi TegelmanFind albums by this artist the band also included keyboardist Pertti PokkiFind albums by this artist and bassist Jarmo HiekkalaFind albums by this artist. They perform two pieces, which did not appear on the released albums, one by Pokki and the other by Jussi Tegelman. The music is strongly Fusion oriented, with some Prog elements present as well. ElonkorjuuFind albums by this artist had a long history debuting with their album "Harvest TimeFind albums with this title" already in 1972, which was Blues-Rock oriented. Over time they disbanded and created the group again, changing the lineup and musical direction more towards Jazz-Rock Fusion and Funk. The lineup present here includes vocalist Kari TamminenFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Juha UnkilaFind albums by this artist, pianist Pekka TyniFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jukka SyreniusFind albums by this artist, bassist Veli-Pekka PessiFind albums by this artist and drummer Veikko NoutioFind albums by this artist. They perform three songs, all by Syrenius, which showcase the stylistic diversity of their music. Overall this is some of the most staggering music created in Europe in the early to mid 1970s that one is able to hear and for Fusion and Jazz oriented Prog-heads this is an absolute must have! Side Note The Finnish independent label SvartFind albums on this label Records released an unprecedented series of albums called Pop Liisa and Jazz Liisa, which present priceless historical recordings of Finnish Rock, Progressive Rock, Jazz-Rock Fusion and Jazz music, recorded live and broadcasted from the Liisankatu Studios in Helsinki under the "Popstudio" and "Jazzstudio" monikers between 1972 and 1977. The studios were owned by the YLE (Finnish Broadcasting Company), a public broadcasting service, which not only allowed the burgeoning Finnish music scene at the time to be exposed but also carefully archived the recordings for future generations. All this incredible music was previously unissued and collectively is probably the most important document of Finnish music from that period ever assembled. The music was released on 36 LPs (Pop Liisa Vol. 01 to Vol. 18 and Jazz Liisa Vol. 01 to Vol. 18) and on 18 CDs with every two consecutive volumes combined on one CD. The sound quality is absolutely superb, often better than the sound quality on the LPs released by these artists at the time. Many of the groups appearing on these albums never managed to record an album and these recordings are the only recorded legacy in existence of their activity. The released are accompanied by well researched and intelligent liner notes. This archival project is an outstanding example of how Cultural Legacy should be treated as well as of exemplary dedication to record producing professionalism.

Updated: 15/05/2020Posted: 03/05/2020

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JUPU GROUP ~ AHMOO SVART 081 (Barcode: 6430065585442) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1975 Released: 2018 This is a reissue of the only album by the short-lived Finnish Fusion / Progressive Rock Jupu GroupFind albums by this artist, which included violinist Juhani PoutanenFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jukka LinkolaFind albums by this artist, guitarist Janne LouhivuoriFind albums by this artist, bassist Ilkka HanskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Upi SorvaliFind albums by this artist. On three tracks a string trio is added to the lineup. The album presents six original tracks, three by Poutanen and one each by Sorvali, Hanski and Linkola. The music comprises of complex cross-genre explorations, amalgamating Rock, Jazz and Classical Music, with a strong Fusion feeling, with the violin at the centre, which of course was rather unusual. All the compositions are beautifully melodic, serving as ideal vehicles for the lengthy soloing by all group members. The three tracks with the string section have a more Classical Music atmosphere, but remain faithful to the Fusion spirit of the album. The album is a wonderful example of Finnish instrumental music created at the time (mid-1970s), which was bursting with ideas and wonderful creativity. These young musicians proved that brilliant music can be created anywhere in the world and the music remains completely relevant today, losing absolutely nothing of its significance, artistic quality and intrinsic elegance. It is great to have this gem available again, as it absolutely deserves to be heard today by the young generation of music lovers. Thanks to SvartFind albums on this label Records for keeping the memory alive. For European Fusion fans this album is an absolute music of course!

Updated: 15/07/2020Posted: 15/07/2020

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JUPU GROUP / JUKKA LINKOLA OCTET ~ JAZZ LIISA VOL. 05 & VOL. 06 SVART 027 (Barcode: 6430050667207) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1974 - 1977 Released: 2016 Jupu GroupFind albums by this artist was a short-lived Finnish experimental Fusion band led by violinist Juhani PoutanenFind albums by this artist and included also guitarist Janne LouhivuoriFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jukka LinkolaFind albums by this artist, bassist Ilkka HanskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Upi SorvaliFind albums by this artist. On this live radio broadcast they also included saxophonist / flautist Sakari KukkoFind albums by this artist. The band recorded their sole album "AhmooFind albums with this title" almost a year after this session. They perform five original compositions, two of which would appear later on their album in a studio version. Four of the compositions were composed by Poutanen and one by Kukko. Although Fusion oriented and played on electric instruments, the music includes many freely improvised passages and sounds mostly quite Avant-Garde. Keyboardist / composer / bandleader Jukka Linkola is one of the central figures on the Finnish music scene to this day, with extensive involvement both in Jazz and Classical Music. He has a substantial recorded legacy, always of the highest quality. The Jukka Linkola OctetFind albums by this artist, which he led between mid 1970s and early 1990s, was just one of many ensembles under his leadership and throughout his career he always had empathy towards large ensembles, orchestras and Big Bands. The octet recorded three excellent albums: "ProtofunkFind albums with this title", "Lady In GreenFind albums with this title" and "Scat SuiteFind albums with this title", all worth investigating. On this live broadcast session the octet includes also trumpeter Esko HeikkinenFind albums by this artist, trombonist Tom BildoFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Pentti LahtiFind albums by this artist and Teemu SalminenFind albums by this artist, bassists Ilkka Hanski, drummer Jukkis UotilaFind albums by this artist and percussionist Upi Sorvali. They perform four original compositions by Linkola and his arrangement of a traditional tune. The music floats between mainstream Jazz, Fusion and Funk and is highly melodic, offering an almost orchestral ambience and of course a lot of unadulterated fun! Overall this is some of the most staggering music created in Europe in the early to mid 1970s that one is able to hear and for European Jazz and Fusion connoisseurs this is an absolute must have! Side Note The Finnish independent label SvartFind albums on this label Records released an unprecedented series of albums called Pop Liisa and Jazz Liisa, which present priceless historical recordings of Finnish Rock, Progressive Rock, Jazz-Rock Fusion and Jazz music, recorded live and broadcasted from the Liisankatu Studios in Helsinki under the "Popstudio" and "Jazzstudio" monikers between 1972 and 1977. The studios were owned by the YLE (Finnish Broadcasting Company), a public broadcasting service, which not only allowed the burgeoning Finnish music scene at the time to be exposed but also carefully archived the recordings for future generations. All this incredible music was previously unissued and collectively is probably the most important document of Finnish music from that period ever assembled. The music was released on 36 LPs (Pop Liisa Vol. 01 to Vol. 18 and Jazz Liisa Vol. 01 to Vol. 18) and on 18 CDs with every two consecutive volumes combined on one CD. The sound quality is absolutely superb, often better than the sound quality on the LPs released by these artists at the time. Many of the groups appearing on these albums never managed to record an album and these recordings are the only recorded legacy in existence of their activity. The released are accompanied by well researched and intelligent liner notes. This archival project is an outstanding example of how Cultural Legacy should be treated as well as of exemplary dedication to record producing professionalism.

Updated: 27/08/2020Posted: 04/06/2020

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

TASAVALLAN PRESIDENTTI / JUKKA HAURU & SUPERKINGS ~ POP LIISA VOL. 01 & VOL. 02 SVART 003 (Barcode: 6430050665647) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1973 Released: 2016 By the time this live broadcast was captured on tape Tasavallan PresidenttiFind albums by this artist, first Finnish Fusion / Prog Supergroup, already released three seminal albums and were about to release their fourth (and sadly last) album "Milky Way MosesFind albums with this title" recorded earlier in London. The lineup underwent another change when the new bass player Heikki VirtanenFind albums by this artist joined vocalist Eero RaittinenFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jukka TolonenFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Pekka PoyryFind albums by this artist and drummer Vesa AaltonenFind albums by this artist. The group performs just two extended pieces, full of lengthy instrumental improvisations kept in a jam session mood with a strong Fusion orientation. The first piece is a composition by the legendary Jazz saxophonist Eero KoivistoinenFind albums by this artist, which originates from his Jazz & Poetry album "ValtakuntaFind albums with this title", where it was sung by Raittinen, and which was also recorded on the a.m. fourth album in its English version with the lyrics translated by Jim PembrokeFind albums by this artist, a member of WigwamFind albums by this artist (yes there was a strong bond between these two pioneering Finnish groups). The second piece is a rendition of one of the songs appearing on the third album "LambertlandFind albums with this title" composed by Tolonen. Considering that eighteen months passed between the original recording of this song and this broadcast, it is not surprising that this version is diametrically different from the original, and present a much more Jazz oriented approach which even explores some Free Form elements. Overall this recording presents Tasavallan Presidentti at their absolute peak and offers an amazing example of European / Finnish Fusion created at the time. Guitarist Jukka HauruFind albums by this artist was part of the Finnish Fusion scene and was closely related to the Tasavallan Presidentti gang, since he was substituting for Tolonen whenever needed between 1972 and 1974. He was considered as a superb guitarist, which the recordings herein prove beyond any doubt. He gathered a group of excellent top Finnish players for the purpose of recording his debut album "InformationFind albums with this title", which appears here jokingly renamed to SuperkingsFind albums by this artist. Again not surprisingly it includes two Tasavallan Presidentti members: Virtanen and Aaltonen, as well as violinist Juhani PoutanenFind albums by this artist, pianist Olli AhvenlahtiFind albums by this artist and percussionist Reino LaineFind albums by this artist. Together the sextet performs four original compositions, three by Hauru and one by Poutanen, one of which appears on the a.m. debut album and three were unrecorded at the time. The music is even more Jazz oriented that the Tasavallan Presidentti set, offering much more freedom than the usual Fusion played at the time, with a strong Zappaesque tinge and obvious extended instrumental soloing. Overall this is some of the most staggering music created in Europe in the early 1970s that one is able to hear and for Fusion and Jazz oriented Prog-heads this is an absolute must have! Side Note The Finnish independent label SvartFind albums on this label Records released an unprecedented series of albums called Pop Liisa and Jazz Liisa, which present priceless historical recordings of Finnish Rock, Progressive Rock, Jazz-Rock Fusion and Jazz music, recorded live and broadcasted from the Liisankatu Studios in Helsinki under the "Popstudio" and "Jazzstudio" monikers between 1972 and 1977. The studios were owned by the YLE (Finnish Broadcasting Company), a public broadcasting service, which not only allowed the burgeoning Finnish music scene at the time to be exposed but also carefully archived the recordings for future generations. All this incredible music was previously unissued and collectively is probably the most important document of Finnish music from that period ever assembled. The music was released on 36 LPs (Pop Liisa Vol. 01 to Vol. 18 and Jazz Liisa Vol. 01 to Vol. 18) and on 18 CDs with every two consecutive volumes combined on one CD. The sound quality is absolutely superb, often better than the sound quality on the LPs released by these artists at the time. Many of the groups appearing on these albums never managed to record an album and these recordings are the only recorded legacy in existence of their activity. The released are accompanied by well researched and intelligent liner notes. This archival project is an outstanding example of how Cultural Legacy should be treated as well as of exemplary dedication to record producing professionalism.

Updated: 29/04/2020Posted: 29/04/2020

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend