Record Reviews

JUHANI AALTONEN / OTTO DONNER ~ STRINGS LOVE 160 ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Don`t let the album`s title fool you – this is by no means one of those sugary “jazz & strings” albums – no way. This is a masterpiece created by Finland`s greatest jazz player – Aaltonen - and greatest jazz composer / arranger – Donner, designed as an exercise in “easy listening”. Of course the “easy listening” those two gentlemen create is anything but easy! Donner composed a series of compositions, which serve as a basis for Aaltonen`s beautiful improvisations. The “background” music is performed by some of the best Finnish jazzmen at the time, including Esko Linnavalli on electric piano and Esko Rosnell on drums, with intricate string arrangements. Aaltonen plays “on top” of these compositions, sometimes very melodically, sometimes quite freely, with a wonderful passion and superb zest. This is heavenly music, which remains with you for lifetime and unveils new layers of pleasure every time.

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AKE ANDERSSON / ANTERO HONKANEN ~ REIDARIN SAHKOISET KUVAT SVART 129 (Barcode: 6430065584483) ~ FINLAND ~ Electronic & Ambient Recorded: 1975 - 1976 Released: 2018 This is a reissue of a wonderful and pretty obscure album, originally released on the legendary LoveFind albums on this label Records, by two Finnish electronic music pioneers Ake AnderssonFind albums by this artist and Antero HonkanenFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, four each by the two team members and this is the first time this music appears on CD. Andersson and Honkanen were both studio technicians at the YLE (Finnish Broadcasting Company) and were in charge of producing a myriad of soundtracks used by the radio in its various programs. They decided to create an album of electronic music, based on the paintings by Reidar SarestoniemiFind albums by this artist. The music accompanied an exhibition of Sarestoniemi´s works, which was heard by Otto DonnerFind albums by this artist, the producer / co-owner of Love Records, who decided to release the music on an album. In retrospect this music sounds every bit as innovative and fresh as it did at the time of its recordings. Using a mixture of synthesizers, electronic devices and acoustic instruments the team managed to create a wide spectrum of sound vistas, which although lack strict melodic themes, make an aesthetic emotional impact based on pure sound variations. The fact that the music was released at the time speaks volumes about the role of Love Records in shaping the landscape of Finnish Culture and the openness of the label´s owners to all genres of music, as well as the sparkling diversity of the local music scene. Therefore this album is a superb document of the vitality of 1970s, which marked a rapid emancipation of the Finnish music from its earlier relative "provinciality". This is definitely a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Updated: 06/08/2020Posted: 06/08/2020

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OTTO DONNER / FREE FOR ALL ~ LIVE AT FIVE CORNERS TUM BOX 001 (Barcode: 6430015280243) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2000 - 2002 Released: 2011 This fabulous Box Set collects a series of live recordings by the Godfather of modern Finnish Jazz trumpeter / composer / arranger / conductor / bandleader and music activist Otto DonnerFind albums by this artist and a gathering of Finnish Jazz musicians of diverse ages and stylistic affiliations, called Free For AllFind albums by this artist, which took residence under Donner´s wings at the Jazz Club JUMO located in the Five Corners area of Helsinki, presenting a series of concerts during the first half of 2002, which were recorded and although initially not intended for release, proved to be way to valuable to be left forgotten, and were eventually released in this Box Set about a decade later. The lineup of the ensemble performing at each of the sessions included in this Box Set changed slightly and the recordings were organized into six CDs according to different unifying thematic concepts, rather than by session. The music includes new arrangements of compositions by Donner and other Finnish Jazz composers or members of the band as well as familiar Jazz standards. The sixth CD includes music and a film about improvisation, which documents Donner and the band, recorded and filmed in 2000. The musicians performing the music alongside Donner are: saxophonists Rasmus KorsstromFind albums by this artist and Pepa PaivinenFind albums by this artist, trombonists Jari HongistoFind albums by this artist and Markku VeijonsuoFind albums by this artist, pianists Kari IkonenFind albums by this artist, Seppo KantonenFind albums by this artist and Eero OjanenFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jukka OrmaFind albums by this artist, bassists Ville HuolmanFind albums by this artist and Tuure KoskiFind albums by this artist, drummer Tom NekljudovFind albums by this artist and finally vocalist Johanna IivanainenFind albums by this artist. The music is absolutely stunning, even though performed rather informally and not meant to be saved for posterity. The musicians are all highly professional and the atmosphere of camaraderie and obvious mutual respect is a predominant factor which makes this music sound as great as it does. Stylistically the music spans a wide range from modern mainstream to well organized free explorations, Jazz-Rock Fusion and Orchestral Jazz, and the six hours of playing time are over in an instant. Donner´s immense talent, experience and leadership managed to produce a wonderful document of the strength and diversity of the Finnish Jazz scene at the time, which now is a part of the cultural heritage. The Box Set is beautifully packaged, using the paintings by Paul OsipowFind albums by this artist and including a highly informative booklet with detailed information about the music and the circumstances of its recording, a true example of a publishing labor of love and an example of how things should be done – hats off! For Finnish Jazz fans and followers this is an absolute must of course!

Updated: 03/09/2020Posted: 03/09/2020

CD+DVD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend

OTTO DONNER TREATMENT ~ EN SOISI SEN PÄÄTTYVÄN LOVE 014 ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz & Poetry Finns have not only great respect for their musicians, but also for their poets and therefore they produced a large body of work where music and poetry are combined. This is one of such projects for which the composer / arranger Otto DonnerFind albums by this artist created music to poems by Pentti SaarikoskiFind albums by this artist to be performed by a vocal group and jazz ensemble. Recorded in 1970, this excellent example of Finnish jazz includes some of the best players on the local scene at the time (Juhani AaltonenFind albums by this artist - tenor sax & flute, Esko RosnellFind albums by this artist - drums, a.m.o.). Donner plays trumpet & vibes and directs the whole project. The music is typical European jazz of the period, melodic but complex and constantly surprising. The composer also cleverly includes shades of Finnish folk music in the background of the compositions. The album includes 18 short pieces, all quite different, but flowing naturally into one coherent suite. The group vocals resemble the European vocal jazz tradition as demonstrated by the French group Les Double SixFind albums by this artist or NOVIFind albums by this artist from Poland. Sublime music for people with highly developed and sensitive taste glands.

Updated: 08/06/2020Posted:

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FINNFOREST ~ ALPHA TO OMEGA: THE COMPLETE STUDIO RECORDINGS 1973-1980 SVART 056 (Barcode: 6430065585435) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion Recorded: 1973 - 1980 Released: 2018 This is a reissue of the collected studio recordings by the Finnish Progressive Rock / Fusion ensemble FinnforestFind albums by this artist. It includes the remastered versions of the three LPs recorded by Finnforest and released on the legendary LoveFind albums on this label Records label: "FinnforestFind albums with this title" (1975), "Lahto MatkalleFind albums with this title" (1976) and "DemonnightsFind albums with this title" (1979). Additionally two singles, one compilation track and two previously unissued recording sessions, one before the debut album (1973) and another after the last album (1980), are also included. Beautifully packaged and with in depth liner notes this 3 CD set is a proper tribute to this great band. Finnforest was formed in 1973 by twin brothers Pekka TegelmanFind albums by this artist, who played guitar and Jussi TegelmanFind albums by this artist, who played drums. The early version of the band included also keyboardist Jukka RissanenFind albums by this artist, bassist Jarmo HiekkalaFind albums by this artist and vocalist Ari MustonenFind albums by this artist. This quintet lineup plays on the six early tracks recorded in 1973. The first album was recorded in Sweden in 1975 just by the trio of Tegelman brothers and Jukka Rissanen. The second album was also recorded in Sweden a year later, and featured the Tegelman brothers, Hiekkala on bass and keyboardist Jukka LinkolaFind albums by this artist, Second keyboardist Pertti PokkiFind albums by this artist plays on two tracks and a string section conducted by Otto DonnerFind albums by this artist plays on one track. The third album was recorded in 1978 and features only Jussi Tegelman from the original lineup and the rest are all new members: keyboardist Jarmo SavolainenFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jari RissanenFind albums by this artist, bassist Tuomo HelinFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Juhani AaltonenFind albums by this artist. Pekka Tegelman plays only on some of the tracks. The last session features all new musicians playing with Jussi Tegelman. All the music present on this set, except for one track, was composed by one or the other of the Tegelman brothers. The early tracks are typical proto-Prog but starting with the tracks on the first album the music becomes absolutely stunning, with complex compositions and lengthy improvisations, slowly moving from Symphonic Prog into Jazz-Rock Fusion, with even more daring and challenging musical excursions. In retrospect it is clear that Finnforest were one of the most important European Prog groups in the 1970s, creating some of the most exciting music that came out of Finland at the time, despite the fact that they had fierce competition as Finland at the time produced incredible amount of fascinating music. It is great to see these classic albums back in circulation and the bonus tracks are always a welcome incentive. This is definitely a must have for all true Prog and Fusion collectors from around the world.

Updated: 02/07/2020Posted: 02/07/2020

CD 3 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MIKE KOSKINEN ORCHESTRA / OTTO DONNER TREATMENT ~ JAZZ LIISA VOL. 09 & VOL. 10 SVART 033 ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1973 Released: 2016 Trumpeter / composer / bandleader Mike KoskinenFind albums by this artist was one of the most prominent figures on the Finnish Jazz scene in the early to mid 1970s, involved in a wide rage of stylistic explorations, from Free Jazz to more conventional post Bebop. He was one of the first Finnish Jazz musicians to study at the Berklee College of Music. He released his debut album "SunwebsFind albums with this title" on 1976 and moved to the US a year later. This live radio broadcast presents Koskinen leading two ensembles, an octet and a big orchestra, which include the crème de la crème of the Finnish Jazz scene at the time: trombonists Mircea StanFind albums by this artist, Petri JuutilainenFind albums by this artist and Raimo NaatanenFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Kaj BacklundFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Juhani AaltonenFind albums by this artist, Paroni PaakkunainenFind albums by this artist, Pentti LahtiFind albums by this artist, Pekka PoyryFind albums by this artist and Teemu SalminenFind albums by this artist, pianist Olli AhvenlahtiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Otto BergerFind albums by this artist, bassists Teppo Hauta-AhoFind albums by this artist and Heikki VirtanenFind albums by this artist, drummer Edward VesalaFind albums by this artist and percussionist Ari ValtonenFind albums by this artist. They perform five compositions (three by the octet and two by the orchestra) four of which are original compositions by Koskinen and one is an arrangement of a Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist tune. The music portrays the diversity of Koskinen musical interests, with almost straightforward Jazz pieces and Free / Improvised orchestral experimentations, which are the more challenging and in retrospect interesting. Composer / arranger / bandleader / trumpeter Otto DonnerFind albums by this artist is one of the Godfathers of Finnish Jazz and one of the greatest European Jazz composers. His ensemble Otto Donner TreatmentFind albums by this artist changed lineups according to specific project requirements and the large orchestral lineup caught on this live radio broadcast is sadly not fully known, but includes trumpeter Markku JohanssonFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Christer BoustedFind albums by this artist, Juhani Aaltonen (who also plays flute) and Paroni Paakkunainen, pianist Esko LinnavalliFind albums by this artist and others. They perform four original compositions by Donner, which feature Bousted and Aaltonen as the primary soloists. The music is absolutely delightful and reflects Donner´s talents as composer and arranger, as well as the incredible level of musicianship by his band members. As everything else recorded by Donner, this is a first class musical gem. 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 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: 08/06/2020Posted: 08/06/2020

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CHRISTIAN SCHWINDT QUINTET ~ FOR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES ROCKET 068 (Barcode: 6417138607669) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1963 - 1965 Released: 2011 This is a reissue of the seminal album by Finnish drummer / composer / bandleader Christian SchwindtFind albums by this artist, one of the Godfathers of modern Finnish Jazz. This album is considered as the second modern Jazz release in Finland, preceded only by the Esa PethmanFind albums by this artist album "The Modern Sound Of FinlandFind albums with this title", which was recorded in late 1964 / early 1965, whereas this album was recorded in November 1965. Collectors interested in more fine details should check out the phenomenal and pioneering Finnish Jazz Discography by Hans WesterbergFind albums by this artist, published in 1977 or my publication on this subject from 1992, both published by the Finnish Jazz Federation. The original album presented seven original compositions, which were recorded in two separate sessions. Six compositions were recorded by a new lineup of the quintet that included trumpeter Otto DonnerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Erik DannholmFind albums by this artist, pianist Heikki SarmantoFind albums by this artist and bassist Tapani TamminenFind albums by this artist. The compositions were three each by Donner and Sarmanto. The seventh composition was recorded with the old lineup of the quintet that included pianist Pentti HietanenFind albums by this artist, who also composed the music, and bassist Pekka SarmantoFind albums by this artist. The expanded reissue adds three bonus tracks (two by Hietanen and one by Donner) recorded in late 1963 and early 1964 by the a.m. old lineup and saxophonist Tuomas KotovirtaFind albums by this artist instead of Dannholm. Sadly for such monumental reissue the research was extremely sloppy and the cover art is a reprint of the original, which includes several mistakes. The music is of course phenomenal, and reflects the birth of modern Finnish / European Jazz, which was exploding across the continent, finally breaking with the stale American tradition and searching for new ways of expression. It is fascinating to compare this music to the recordings made across Europe at this pivotal time and see the similarities that Jazz musicians in UK, Poland, Germany and other countries were creating at the time, exploring the wonderful Freedom and breaking all existing boundaries on the fly. In retrospect it is sad that this album is the only recorded legacy by Schwindt as a leader, but let us not forget that he co-founded of the LoveFind albums on this label Records label (with Donner and journalist Atte BlomFind albums by this artist) in 1966, which changed the Finnish music landscape dramatically. This album is an icon of modern European Jazz and although the music was recorded fifty-five years ago, it still sounds absolutely astounding and completely relevant. Sadly this reissue is now very hard to find and it’s a crime that this album is not available on the market for new generations to learn from!

Updated: 29/08/2020Posted: 29/08/2020

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend