Record Reviews

AALTONEN, HELASVUO, HAUTA-AHO, VESALA / EDWARD VESALA ENSEMBLE ~ JAZZ LIISA VOL. 17 & VOL. 18 SVART 100 (Barcode: 6430065583516) ~ FINLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz Recorded: 1973 - 1974 Released: 2018 The two "Jazzstudio" broadcasts compiled on this CD focus on the iconic figure of drummer / composer / bandleader and Godfather of modern Finnish Jazz, Edward VesalaFind albums by this artist, who is probably the most famous Finnish Jazz musician outside of his native country. Born in 1945, Vesala was active on the local Jazz scene since the late 1960s and until his tragically premature death in 1999 at the ridiculous young age of 54. His premiere recording was the little known album "NykysuomalaistaFind albums with this title" (Contemporary Finnish) from 1969 and the full debut "NanaFind albums with this title" came a year later. In 1972 he took part in his first ECMFind albums on this label album, the Jan Garbarek´s "TriptykonFind albums with this title" and soon after recorded his debut album for the label "Nan MadolFind albums with this title". He recorded five more albums for ECM and also participated on albums by Polish trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist. On the whole he left an impressive recorded legacy, including releases on his own LeoFind albums on this label Records. The first session presents the Edward Vesala trio, with bassist Teppo Hauta-AhoFind albums by this artist and pianist Esa HelasvuoFind albums by this artist on one track composed by him and then with saxophonist Juhani AaltonenFind albums by this artist (who replaces Helasvuo) on two tracks, both composed by Vesala. Whereas the first track is still pretty conventional, the two other tracks are mostly freely improvised and explode with energy and spontaneous exploration as appropriate for Avant-garde at its best. The second session presents the Edward Vesala EnsembleFind albums by this artist, a collection of top Finnish Jazz improvisers at the time: trumpeter Simo SalminenFind albums by this artist, trombonist Mircea StanFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Juhani Aaltonen, Paroni PaakkunainenFind albums by this artist and Pentti LahtiFind albums by this artist, bassist Teppo Hauta-Aho, electric bassist Make LievonenFind albums by this artist and Antero HonkanenFind albums by this artist who added some electronic effects on one track. This lineup is very similar to the lineup that recorded the a.m. ECM debut a few months after this session was recorded. They play three stacks, all by Vesala, all of which were later recorded for that album. In addition a short interview with Vesala in also present, in Finnish of course, which makes it sadly accessible only to Finnish speaking audience. (A transcript in English would have been most welcome). The music is spectacular and breathtaking, a true Avant-garde masterpiece combining composed and group-improvised parts, mystic Nordic moods and brilliant performances by these excellent musicians. These versions of the material are quite different from the recorded versions, which makes this session especially valuable. These two sessions are some of the most important documents of Finnish Jazz and are definitely among the strongest releases in the entire Jazz Liisa series. 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: 28/06/2020Posted: 19/06/2020

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

OLLI AHVENLAHTI / UMO ~ SEAWINDS: THE COMPLETE YLE STUDIO RECORDINGS 1976-1981 SVART 171 (Barcode: 6430065583486) ~ FINLAND ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1976 - 1981 Released: 2018 This is an archival album collecting all the recordings by Finnish keyboardist / composer Olli AhvenlahtiFind albums by this artist recorded with the superb UMOFind albums by this artist Jazz Orchestra for the YLE (Finnish Broadcasting Company). The album presents fifteen tracks, including the five-part "Seawinds" suite, which gave the album its title. All the music was composed and arranged by Ahvenlahti. UMO, founded in 1975, turned out to be Finland´s most renowned Jazz Big Band / Orchestra, active to this very day. Over the years its ranks included the absolute who’s who of the Finnish Jazz scene, as well as numerous international guests, and produced a remarkable recording legacy. On these recordings the UMO was in its early days, but already offered a remarkable level of professionalism and talent, as well as a typical European approach to the Big Band Jazz sound and style. It included such formidable players as saxophonists Pekka PoyryFind albums by this artist, Eero KoivistoinenFind albums by this artist, Juhani AaltonenFind albums by this artist, Pentti LahtiFind albums by this artist and Paroni PaakkunainenFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Kaj BacklundFind albums by this artist, trombonist Mircea StanFind albums by this artist, pianist Heikki SarmantoFind albums by this artist, bassists Pekka SarmantoFind albums by this artist and Pekka PohjolaFind albums by this artist, drummer Esko RosnellFind albums by this artist and many others. Ahvenlahti played keyboards and the orchestra was conducted by Esko LinnavalliFind albums by this artist. Three of the tracks feature the wonderful vocalist Irina MilanFind albums by this artist, singing music composed to Finnish poetry. The music is beautifully melodic and at the same time complex enough to keep the listener on his toes. The superb Big Band arrangements and wonderful soloing turns this album into an excellent listening experience, which is fresh and full of youthful energy with a slight Fusion tinge. All the sections of the Big Band are perfectly utilized to create a big sound, but the listener is able to hear each individual; instrument. The excellent rhythm section drives the music forward with zest and elegance. Overall this is a great Big Band Jazz album that lost nothing of its power and freshness over time and sounds every bit as exciting as it did at the time of the recording. For European Big Band Jazz fans this is a true feast and for the many UMO followers around the world this is an absolute must have. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 12/07/2020Posted: 12/07/2020

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JOE DAVIDOW ~ DIFFERENT MOMENTS – THE MUSIC OF JOE DAVIDOW SVART 068 (Barcode: 6430050668396) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 - 1994 Released: 2016 This is an archival album presenting music composed by American (resident in Finland since 1978) pianist / composer / director Joe DavidowFind albums by this artist, recorded between 1978 and 1994 with different ensembles, which featured top Finnish Jazz musicians at the time, like saxophonist Paroni PaakkunainenFind albums by this artist, guitarist Hasse WalliFind albums by this artist, bassists Ilkka HanskiFind albums by this artist and Make LievonenFind albums by this artist, drummers Tom NekludowFind albums by this artist and Reino LaineFind albums by this artist and others. The music was recorded at the YLE (Finnish Broadcasting Company) studio, except for one track which was recorded at the LoveFind albums on this label Records studio. The album presents ten original compositions, all composed and arranged by Davidow. The music offers a wide stylistic variety between melodic mainstream Jazz and Avant-Garde Free Form, all bearing Davidow´s personal signature, which combines American Jazz tradition with modern European approach in a highly individual way. It often moves beyond the Jazz idiom into more cinematic vistas, which is hardly surprising considering Davidow´s role as director and composer of cinematic music. The lasting cooperation between Davidow and Paakkunainen, who appears on all the tracks, discloses an obvious aesthetical proximity between the two. As the primary soloists the two exchange heated dialogues and lyrical laments, always on the same emotional wavelength. Davidow´s piano playing, which is quite idiosyncratic, adds a unique color to the proceedings, as he is hardly an average Jazz player, often playing completely "against the rules", and always keeping faithful to his personal style. The various rhythm sections consistently do a great job accompanying the saxophone / piano duo, regardless of the stylistic environment utilized on each of the tracks. Those are after all seasoned veterans, able to play anything and always finding the required mindset. Considering the fact that this is the first time this music appears on record, this is a true gem and source of enjoyment, not to mention its historical significance. This album is therefore an absolutely essential piece of Finnish Jazz history and deserves to be heard!

Updated: 31/07/2020Posted: 31/07/2020

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

EERO KOIVISTOINEN WITH FRIENDS ~ JAPPA SVART 373 (Barcode: 6430077093812) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2021 This is a sensational reissue of the one of the modern Finnish Jazz most obscure and sought after recordings, a series of four EPs released originally in 1967/68 by the Jazz Society formed by the students of the Helsinki Polytechnic (now Helsinki University of Technology), who were avid Jazz fans and some of the students were also Jazz musicians. The album presents all the nineteen tracks, that appeared collectively on these EPs, recorded by different lineups, which featured the absolute crème de la crème of the young generation of Finnish modern Jazz players. EP 1 presents the earliest recording by saxophonist Eero KoivistoinenFind albums by this artist, which also includes bassist Pekka SarmantoFind albums by this artist and drummer Edward VesalaFind albums by this artist with a percussionist on one track and a couple of cellist on another. They perform three original compositions by Koivistoinen and the music is an example of early Finnish Free Jazz. It precedes the recording of Koivistoinen’s debut album “ValtakuntaFind albums with this title”. EP 2 presents two original compositions by pianist Pentti HietanenFind albums by this artist, recorded by a septet, which also included trumpeter Kaj BacklundFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Ilkka KrumoFind albums by this artist, Stanley LindroosFind albums by this artist and Paroni PaakkunainenFind albums by this artist, bassist Teppo Hauta-AhoFind albums by this artist and drummer Esko RosnellFind albums by this artist. Both are wonderful example of modern European Jazz with some Free oriented soloing by the participants and superb ensemble work by the septet. EP 3 presents three tracks, one by saxophonist Pekka PoyryFind albums by this artist and two by Koivistoinen. The first is performed by Poyry with pianist Eero OjanenFind albums by this artist, Hauta-Aho and Rosnell. The second is performed by a trio with Koivistoinen, Sarmanto and drummer Reino LaineFind albums by this artist. The third is performed by a quintet with Koivistoinen, Poyry, Ojanen, Sarmanto and Laine. Again, the music is wonderful modern Jazz, brilliantly performed by all the participants. EP 4 presents eleven short tracks documenting an Art Happening, mostly performed by the Finnish “underground” artist Tommi ParkoFind albums by this artist, who sings and plays a plethora of instruments. He appears solo on the first seven tracks and then is joined by other instrumentalists, including Jazz trumpeter Mike KoskinenFind albums by this artist. These tracks, although only marginally associated with Jazz, reflect the open-mindedness and diversity of the late 1960s. Overall this is a superb effort by SvartFind albums on this label Records, which returns to life some great music, which deserves to be available for both old and young Finnish Jazz fans.

Updated: 26/06/2021Posted: 26/06/2021

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MIKE KOSKINEN ~ SUNWEBS LOVE 157 ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Like most of his countrymen jazz masters Mike KoskinenFind albums by this artist started his jazz apprenticeship by playing free jazz on the burgeoning Finnish scene with musicians like Edward VesalaFind albums by this artist, Paroni PaakkunainenFind albums by this artist, Eero KoivistoinenFind albums by this artist and Heikki SarmantoFind albums by this artist. His excellent trumpet technique and tone (obviously influenced by Miles DavisFind albums by this artist) made him a welcome guest at the many jam sessions in Helsinki jazz clubs and recording sessions. In the early 1970’s Koskinen went to the US to study jazz at the Berklee College of Music (inspired by Heikki Sarmanto, who also attended that school). Upon his return to Finland in 1975, he gathered some of the best local musicians to form a Quintet and record his debut album as a leader. The players include the excellent sax player Pekka PöyryFind albums by this artist, drummer Reino LaineFind albums by this artist and pianist Vladimir ShafranovFind albums by this artist (one of several Eastern European jazz refugees living in Finland). Old buddy Juhani AaltonenFind albums by this artist (and other musicians) guests on two tunes. All the music was written by Koskinen and can be best described as post-Coltrane hard-bop with distinct Art BlakeyFind albums by this artist / Miles Davis / Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist influences, but as always with European jazz it is more intricate and incorporates slight folk motifs into the jazz tapestry. The melodies are memorable and the musicians change tempo and mood to fit the atmosphere of the tune at hand with masterly sensitivity. A great jazz album for all seasons!

Updated: 08/06/2020Posted:

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered 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

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

PARONI PAAKKUNAINEN ~ BARITONE DRAGON ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2002 This is a beautiful album by Finnish baritone saxophonist Paroni PaakkunainenFind albums by this artist, recorded with Finnish bassist Pekka SarmantoFind albums by this artist, drummer Reino LaineFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Tero SaartiFind albums by this artist and Swedish baritone saxophonist Peter GullinFind albums by this artist, pianist Lars SjostenFind albums by this artist, bassist Filip AugustsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Bosse SoderbergFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven tracks, seven of which are studio recordings by the Finnish Radio and four are live recordings. Seven of the tracks are original compositions by Paakkunainen, one is by Sjosten and three are by the great late Swedish saxophonist Lars GullinFind albums by this artist and father of Peter Gullin. Paakkunainen is one of the Godfathers of modern Finnish Jazz and he participated in many groundbreaking Jazz recordings in the 1970s and 1980s. He was also very active on the Finnish Progressive Rock scene. Sadly, his solo recording output is rather limited and this is one of the few examples of his work as a leader. The music on this album is all Jazz oriented and reflects the excellent level of Scandinavian Jazz, which was already highly developed by the 1960, mostly due to the fact that many American Jazz musicians visited often and played in concert halls and local clubs, which is also widely documented by many recordings made by American Jazz stars in Sweden. Finnish Jazz developed on a more independent path, always centered on originality and search of new routes to be explored, which in retrospect produced some of the finest early modern European Jazz, including explorations of Free Jazz and Improvised Music. However, this album is mostly highly melodic mainstream Jazz, which focuses on the excellent compositions by Paakkunainen and the wonderful interplay between these matured and highly experienced musicians. Overall, this is an excellent opportunity to get exposed to a great Finnish musician, who was usually behind the scenes. Lovers of the baritone saxophone and Scandinavian Jazz should find this album very rewarding.

Updated: 29/07/2023Posted: 29/07/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

PEKKA POHJOLA ~ B THE MAGPIE ESOTERIC 2176 (Barcode: 5013929727625) ~ FINLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1974 Released: 2010 2nd album by Finnish bassist / composer Pekka PohjolaFind albums by this artist, one of the greatest Prog musicians of all times, who was a founding member of the legendary Finnish Prog band WigwamFind albums by this artist. Accompanied by the top Finnish Jazz and Prog players of the time: saxophonists Eero KoivistoinenFind albums by this artist, Pekka PoyryFind albums by this artist and Paroni PaakkunainenFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Bertil LofgrenFind albums by this artist, guitarist Coste ApetreaFind albums by this artist and drummer Tomi ParkkonenFind albums by this artist, the band performs music composed by Pohjola, which stylistically moves between Prog and Jazz-Rock Fusion. Pohjola´s extraordinary talent, both as a bassist and especially as a composer, were already magnificent at the time and would accompany him throughout his entire life, resulting in magnificent achievements, cut short only by his premature and tragic death in 2008. In retrospect this early effort is a milestone for European Prog and firmly establishes the superb Finnish contribution to the genre. This album was one of the very few Finnish albums to be released also in UK (on the VirginFind albums on this label label), shortly after it was released in his home country on the legendary LoveFind albums on this label label. Absolutely essential!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

HEIKKI SARMANTO ~ NEW HOPE JAZZ MASS JAZZAGGRESSION 736 ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 Released: 2022 The wonderful world of reissues, which brings back to life, and sometimes even exposes for the first time, music recorded decades earlier has been my fascination for many years now, which often involves also writing liner notes for reissued albums. But among the thousands of reissued albums that have arrived on my desk, only very few discharge such a surge of emotions and memories as this one. “New Hope Jazz MassFind albums with this title” has been, since the day it was originally released in 1978, one of the absolute top Jazz recordings on my list, which I kept revisiting regularly, as well as using in my lectures and writings, as a prime example of the ingenuity of European Jazz, which managed to expand the idiom into a cross-genre amalgam of myriad of influences, joining the American Jazz tradition with the Millennium-long European music tradition. The concept of composing a Jazz Mass, which would be performed at a church, was of course a pretty revolutionary idea at the time, one that has been rarely returned to over the decades since. “Sacred Jazz” enjoyed some popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, especially in the works of Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist and later John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, although the latter was more influenced by non-Christian religious traditions. The “New Hope Jazz Mass”, dedicated to Ellington and Coltrane, was premiered at the St. Peters Lutheran Church in NY on May 18, 1978 and had its Finnish premiere at the Temppeliaukio Church (known as Church of the Rock, a sensational architectural wonder) on September 7, 1978, which was recorded and originally released as a double LP on the FinlandiaFind albums on this label label that year. But the following day, September 8, 1978, there was another performance of the Mass, which was also recorded, and this album brings that recording to light for the first time. The music was performed by the Heikki SarmantoFind albums by this artist sextet, which included vocalist Maija HapuojaFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Paroni PaakkunainenFind albums by this artist and Pekka PoyryFind albums by this artist, bassist Pekka SarmantoFind albums by this artist, drummer Esko RosnellFind albums by this artist and Heikki Sarmanto on piano. In addition, a vocal quartet, the Gregg Smith Vocal QuartetFind albums by this artist, and a large choir, the Long Island Symphonic Choral AssociationFind albums by this artist, performed the choir vocal parts. The Mass consists of twelve compositions, all by Heikki Sarmanto, with lyrics taken from liturgy and some written by Aina Swan CutlerFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded live, and the remastered sound quality is absolutely flawless. The music, as already mentioned above, was absolutely revolutionary at the time, not only in its scope and complexity, but primarily in its bold expressionism, immaculate blend of American Gospel and Jazz traditions with European music structures, Finnish Folkloristic touches and European Jazz approach. Crowned by brilliant performances by all the performers, which clearly shows that “white man can jump”, despite the prejudice. Hapuoja’s wordless vocalese is some of the finest of its kind, and her angelic voice suits this music perfectly. The two saxophonist are brilliant improvisers. The rhythm section is absolutely impeccable and highly inspired, with Pekka Sarmanto’s (Heikki’s brother) bass pulsations providing the natural heartbeat to the music and Rosnell’s drumming keeping the time like a magic chronometer. Maestro Heikki Sarmanto’s piano playing is in charge of the harmonic unity, and the choir wraps everything with the Gospel elation. Perfection incarnate! Overall, this is an absolute classic European Jazz album, in every sense, and an iconic Finish Jazz recording, which deserves to be a part of every serious Jazz collection. For those blissfully ignorant as of its existence, now after reading my words you have absolutely no excuse but to get a copy. Thanks to the JazzaggressionFind albums on this label label for releasing this Holy Grail of an album and last but not least thank you my old, old Friend Heikki for your Friendship and all that wonderful, Genius music you contributed to the world over the years!

Updated: 25/11/2022Posted: 25/11/2022

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

UNISONO QUARTET / TAIVAANTEMPPELI ~ JAZZ LIISA VOL. 01 & VOL. 02 SVART 021 (Barcode: 6430050665753) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1973 Released: 2016 The Unisono QuartetFind albums by this artist, formed in 1970 by legendary Godfather of Finnish Jazz, saxophonist / composer Paroni PaakkunainenFind albums by this artist, had many lineup changes during its history and often included more than four members, but kept the "Quartet" as part of its name. This live radio broadcasts captured the band in a quartet setting with pianist Olli AhvenlahtiFind albums by this artist, bassist Make LievonenFind albums by this artist and drummer Reino LaineFind albums by this artist, all representatives of the top young Finnish Jazz players at the time. The band recorded its sole eponymous album only in 1975. They perform four original compositions, two by Ahvenlahti and one each by Paakkunainen and Lievonen, all lasting about ten minuets each, which of course offers plenty of opportunities for extended soloing. The compositions, although based on melodic themes, are very open and tend to include Free Form explorations and odd time signatures, as appropriate for the musical climate of the time. TaivaantemppeliFind albums by this artist was a short-lived sextet, which played sophisticated Jazz-Rock Fusion. It included two members of the Unisono Quartet, Ahvenlahti and Lievonen, and also flautist Matti JakolaFind albums by this artist, guitarist Pekka RechardtFind albums by this artist, drummer Upi SorvaliFind albums by this artist and percussionist Tapani IkonenFind albums by this artist. They never managed to record an album and this live radio broadcast is the only document of their legacy. They perform three original compositions, all by Lievonen, which are between ten and fifteen minutes long and offer extensive soloing. Based on wonderfully melodic themes and performed by highly talented musicians, this is some on the best European Fusion of the period, unique due to the sublime flute parts and challenging musical versatility and forward thinking. 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: 02/06/2020Posted: 02/06/2020

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend