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

ALWARI TUOHITORVI / KIRKA & ISLANDERS ~ POP LIISA VOL. 11 & VOL. 12 SVART 018 ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz-Soul Fusion Recorded: 1974 - 1975 Released: 2016 The Finnish group Alwari TuohitorviFind albums by this artist, formed in 1968, went through a major personnel change in 1972 and the new lineup stabilized with lead guitarist Seppo AlajokiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jukka RautiainenFind albums by this artist and bassist Mika SundqvistFind albums by this artist, all three sharing vocal duties, and drummer Raimo PikanenFind albums by this artist. When their live radio broadcast was captured they were already working on their eponymous debut album, which was released a while later, but none of the songs on that album were featured on the radio show, which presented nine songs covering some of their Prog era material, like the covers of songs by Wishbone AshFind albums by this artist and Beggars OperaFind albums by this artist and other Classic Rock items, as well as one original song by Alajoki. The material clearly marked their musical shift towards conventional Rock, following the general trend on the local Finnish scene, which after the first Progressive Rock wave was over became almost completely Rock dominated. Vocalist KirkaFind albums by this artist (a. k. a. Kirka BabitzinFind albums by this artist) was a successful Finnish artist with a career spanning six decades. He changed styles over the years moving within the Pop and Rock idioms and recorded over sixty albums until his death in 2007. His appearance on the live radio broadcast catches him with his band The IslandersFind albums by this artist, a superb Soul-Rock outfit, expanded to a ten-piece smoking Brass Rock, which included Romanian (resident in Finland) trombonist Mircea StanFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Pentti LahtiFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Kassu HalonenFind albums by this artist, guitarist Esko VesterinenFind albums by this artist, bassist Matti TyniFind albums by this artist and drummer Juoni KestiFind albums by this artist, strengthened by three top Finnish Jazz musicians trumpeter Mike KoskinenFind albums by this artist and saxophonists Pekka PoyryFind albums by this artist and Tapio TuominenFind albums by this artist. Together they perform eight songs, three covers by Pop / Soul / Blues songs (BeatlesFind albums by this artist, Otis ReddingFind albums by this artist, Edgar Winter BandFind albums by this artist) and five excellent original songs, two each by Stan and Halonen and one traditional Blues arranged by Stan. Kirka´s superb voice and the spectacular band create some outstanding Jazz-Rock-Soul Fusion somewhat resembling the divine Joe CockerFind albums by this artist and his Mad Dogs & EnglishmenFind albums by this artist band with a slightly more Jazz feel.. The strength of this material and the performances turn this music into an instant classic, regardless of the Finnish lyrics, which don´t spoil the fun one bit. It is an absolute unadulterated fun from start to finish! 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: 29/05/2020Posted: 09/05/2020

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

EERO KOIVISTOINEN ~ THE ORIGINAL SIN SVART 307 (Barcode: 6430077093621) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1971 Released: 2021 "The Original SinFind albums with this title", recorded on August 13, 16 & 23, 1971, was the fourth album released by Finnish saxophonist / composer / arranger Eero KoivistoinenFind albums by this artist. Aged 25 at the time, Koivistoinen was already recognized at the time as a central figure on the burgeoning Finnish Jazz scene. During his student days at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, one of the first European educational institutions to recognize Jazz as a valid musical Art Form worthy of academic studies, Koivistoinen frequented the Finland´s Capital Jazz club scene, performing at jam sessions. By 1967 he already had his first trio with bassist Pekka SarmantoFind albums by this artist (brother of pianist / composer Heikki SarmantoFind albums by this artist) and the legendary drummer Edward VesalaFind albums by this artist, who is often considered as the Godfather of modern Finnish Jazz. The trio played adventurous free-improvised Jazz, being the pioneers of Free Jazz in their country. Sadly, the trio never recorded an album and the only recorded evidence of their performances can be found on a live EP recorded at the Espoo Jazz Festival in 1967. In 1967 the newly founded Finnish Jazz Federation (FJF), probably the best professional Jazz organization in Europe at the time, selected Koivistoinen as the first recipient of the annual Georgie Award in recognition for his outstanding talents. Two years later Koivistoinen performed for the first time outside of his country´s borders at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland (his performance at Montreux as a member of the International Festival Big Band was recorded and released on PolydorFind albums on this label), winning the festival´s competition for bands, which in turn led to his appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival in the US, exposing his talents on the global scale. In the early 1970s Koivistoinen continued his studies in Jazz composition at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where numerous of his compatriot Jazz musicians also studied over the years, starting with Heikki Sarmanto, who upon his return home brought over the American guitarist Lance GundersonFind albums by this artist who plays on this album. During the 1970s Koivistoinen recorded a stream of exceptional albums, which featured his compositional and arranging skills as well as his brilliant saxophone playing. Constantly re-inventing himself, his music kept changing during this decade and touched upon various Jazz genres, including his pioneering contribution to Jazz-Rock Fusion, but always remaining his very own. Starting with "ValtakuntaFind albums with this title" (1968) and continuing with "OdysseusFind albums with this title" (1969), "For ChildrenFind albums with this title" (1970), "The Original Sin" (1971), "Muusa Ja RuusaFind albums with this title" (1971), "Wahoo!Find albums with this title" (1972), "3rd VersionFind albums with this title" (1973), "The Front Is BreakingFind albums with this title" (1976), "LabyrinthFind albums with this title" (1977) and finally "Live At The Belmont Jazz ClubFind albums with this title" (1977) Koivistoinen produced a body of work of amazing depth, beauty, sophistication and intellectual significance, which remains as a wonderful illustration of the Finnish and European Jazz heritage during that decade. However, by the end of the 1970s, the immense popularity, which European Jazz managed to kindle, was gradually losing its steam. Record labels, owned by international mogul corporations, lost interest in any kind of adventurous music, Jazz included, and the number of Jazz releases went down considerably, a situation which affected Finland as well. Undeterred by this turn of events Koivistoinen decided to take matters into his own hands and established in 1983 one of the first musician-owned independent record labels, PROFind albums on this label Records, which enabled him to realize his musical projects. This album is a deeply significant milestone in Koivistoinen´s musical development, since it presents for the first time the true depth of his compositions as well as his overall musical approach. It is also his first work with a large-scale ensemble, which enables him to utilize his arranging skills to a full extent. The six compositions present here were recorded by three different lineups; a tentet ("Sinner", "Both & And" and "Rock & Roll"), a septet ("The Original Sin") and a sextet (the remaining two). The tentet comprised of: Eero Koivistoinen – tenor, alto & soprano saxophones, Tapani LuuppolaFind albums by this artist – trumpet, Jussi AaltoFind albums by this artist or Erkki LipponenFind albums by this artist – trombone, Pekka PoyryFind albums by this artist – tenor & alto saxophone, Pentti LahtiFind albums by this artist – baritone saxophone, Eero OjanenFind albums by this artist – piano, Lance Gunderson – guitar, Pekka Sarmanto – bass and Reino LaineFind albums by this artist & Esko RosnellFind albums by this artist – drums. The sextet comprised of: Koivistoinen, Ojanen, Gunderson, Sarmanto, Laine and Rosnell and the septet added Unto Haapa-ahoFind albums by this artist on bass clarinet. Both the music and the performances are absolutely breathtaking, although the album focuses on ensemble playing rather than on extensive soloing, but of course there are still plenty of most impressive solos. An atmosphere of serenity, contemplation and wide-open spaces, typical in Finnish music, prevails even in the up-tempo passages, which turns listening to this album into a most satisfying love affair with music. The fact that it is now almost 50 years old is completely meaningless in this context, where true classics only get better with time. Thanks to SvartFind albums on this label Records for making this musical treasure available again. Listeners interested in Finnish Jazz legacy are recommended to check out also the other Svart Records reissues documenting this burgeoning period. 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: 11/06/2021Posted: 11/06/2021

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve 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

PENTTI LAHTI / AHVENLAHTI – OJANEN / MIRCEA STAN / JUKKA RUOHOMAKI ~ JAZZ LIISA VOL. 11 & VOL. 12 SVART 036 ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1974 Released: 2016 The "Popstudio" / "Jazzstudio" broadcasts were usually dedicated to one band / artists, 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. Saxophonist / composer Pentti LahtiFind albums by this artist was one of the modern Finnish Jazz pioneers and a prominent figure on the local scene. The band captured on this live radio broadcast finds him playing alongside trombonist Mircea StanFind albums by this artist, pianist Olli AhvenlahtiFind albums by this artist, bassist Ilkka WillmanFind albums by this artist and drummer Tapani IkonenFind albums by this artist. They perform two standards and an original composition by Stan, all kept pretty much close to mainstream Jazz with a bit of World Music tinge on the piece by Stan, who immigrated to Finland from Romania and incorporated some Romanian folklore influence in this tune. The piano duo comprising of Olli Ahvenlahti and Eero OjanenFind albums by this artist is a classic example of the "Art of the Duo" and their mutual affinity and wonderful interplay are captured perfectly on this live radio broadcast. They perform two compositions, one an original by Ojanen and the other a Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist piece, which is then partly repeated again as an encore. The quintet led by trombonist Mircea Stan is basically identical to the one led by Lahti on the first radio broadcast included here, except for the bassist Pekka SarmantoFind albums by this artist. This time they perform three original compositions by Stan, with some Romanian music influences but also including Latin and Hard Bop stylistics, typical of his work. This music is less mainstream oriented than the Lahti session and includes many open, Free Jazz oriented parts. The synthesizer player Jukka RuohomakiFind albums by this artist combines electronic music and Jazzy improvisation sharing forces with trombonist Mircea Stan, moog player Olli Ahvenlahti and synthesizer player Erkki KurenniemiFind albums by this artist. Together they perform just one extended piece, co-composed by all four players and basically collectively improvised. 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: 10/06/2020Posted: 10/06/2020

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JUKKA TOLONEN BAND / HURMERINTA – SORVALI BIG BAND ~ POP LIISA VOL. 09 & VOL. 10 SVART 015 ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1975 - 1977 Released: 2016 Following the breakdown of the pioneering Finnish group Tasavallan PresidenttiFind albums by this artist in 1974, guitarist / composer Jukka TolonenFind albums by this artist continued his successful solo career, releasing albums on a regular basis. By the time his band was captured playing on this live broadcast, his fourth solo album "HystericaFind albums with this title" was about to be released soon after. The band, which also included saxophonist Pekka PoyryFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Esa KotilainenFind albums by this artist, bassist Heikki VirtanenFind albums by this artist and drummer Esko RosnellFind albums by this artist, perform four instrumental pieces, all originating from the "Hysterica" album and all composed by Tolonen. These live versions of the pieces are quite different from the studio versions and therefore their inclusion here is a perfect companion to the original album. The music is almost completely Fusion oriented, with superb soloing by all the band members. Kotilainen´s keyboard performances are probably the only strong link present here to Progressive Rock, but the Fusion elements include also some Funk influences. Considering the fact that the bad collectively comprised of the "hottest" players on the Finnish scene, the fact that all the performances here are simply stellar. Guitarist Sami HurmerintaFind albums by this artist, his wife vocalist Maarit HurmerintaFind albums by this artist and drummer Upi SorvaliFind albums by this artist put together the Hurmerinta – Sorvali Big BandFind albums by this artist in 1977, combining forces with many musicians they performed and recorded with earlier on, such as British vocalist Frank RobsonFind albums by this artist (ex-Tasavallan Presidentti), trumpeter Esko HeikkinenFind albums by this artist, Romanian trombonist Mircea StanFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Pertti PaivinenFind albums by this artist and Pentti LahtiFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Kari KuusamoFind albums by this artist, bassist Harri MerilahtiFind albums by this artist, and second drummer Roope KoistinenFind albums by this artist. This eleven-piece Big Band was not a typical Jazz Big Band, but rather a Brass Rock ensemble with a double vocal front. The Big Band existed for about a year between 1977 and 1978 and never recorded a studio album, so this live broadcast is their only recorded legacy. The Big Band performs six songs, three of which were written by Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, two by Robson and one by Sami Hurmerinta. Hendrix was an obvious influence on these musicians and the legendary album by Gil EvansFind albums by this artist and his Orchestra "Plays The Music Of Jimi HendrixFind albums with this title" prompted them to form the Big Band in the first place. The music is of course typical of Brass Rock bands of the time, which combined Rock and Jazzy horns sound. 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: 09/05/2020Posted: 08/05/2020

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

UMO JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ ELLINGTON TRIBUTE WARNER CLASSICS 825646188321 (Barcode: 825646188321) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1997 Released: 2004 This is a wonderful album by the Finnish UMO Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, founded in 1975 by the great Finnish Jazz pioneers Heikki SarmantoFind albums by this artist and Esko LinnavalliFind albums by this artist. Over time UMO became one of the absolute top European Jazz Big Bands / Orchestras, recording a long succession of brilliant albums with famous guest stars. Although primarily dedicated to supporting and promoting Finnish Jazz, the orchestra is also involved in other projects, like this tribute to the great American pianist / composer Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten pieces composed by Ellington and two composed by Billy StrayhornFind albums by this artist, arranged especially for the UMO, featuring many of the orchestra members as soloists. The orchestra captured on this album is conducted by pianist Kirmo LintenenFind albums by this artist and includes, among others, such famous Finnish Jazz figures like saxophonist Pentti LahtiFind albums by this artist and bassist Pekka SarmantoFind albums by this artist. The music includes some of the most popular tunes associated with Ellington and his Orchestra, which are (hopefully) well known to every Jazz fan all over the globe. UMO performs these tunes perfectly, which is of course obvious, but the fascinating aspect of this music is the comparison between how it sounds here in comparison to its original sound as recorded by Ellington and his Orchestra decades earlier. In a nutshell it is a intriguing case study presenting the difference between American and European Jazz idioms. Whereas the original performances are classic examples of Swing, perfectly orchestrated and executed, the music here is all about sophisticated arrangements, unusual orchestration and elegant tricks of the trade played with tempi, dynamics and articulation, true to the original and yet cleverly different. It goes without saying that this album, although little known, is a must to all Big Band and Ellington fans, and deserves to be listened to very closely by music scholars and educators, especially those who claim that Jazz must stay untouched.

Updated: 01/07/2016Posted: 01/07/2016

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

EDWARD VESALA ~ LUMI ECM 1339 (Barcode: 602567431053) ~ FINLAND ~ Avant-Garde Jazz Recorded: 1986 Released: 2019 This is a reissue of the 3rd album as a leader on the ECMFind albums on this label label by Finnish Jazz drummer / composer / bandleader Edward VesalaFind albums by this artist, recorded by an ensemble comprising of eleven top Finnish musicians, including saxophonists Pentti LahtiFind albums by this artist and Tapani RinneFind albums by this artist, guitarist Raoul BjorkenheimFind albums by this artist and his wife harpist / keyboardist Iro HaarlaFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, eight of which were composed by Vesala and one was co-composed by him and Polish Jazz trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, with whom he cooperated for many years. The music, although composed, is full of Avant-Garde elements, Free improvisation, all framed by remarkable close large ensemble work, kept tightly in check by Vesala’s ingenious drumming. Many different musical elements are amalgamated on this album, including Rock, Big Band licks and the Nordic melancholy, with the music floating between quiet meditative pieces and hard rocking crescendos. Vesala was of course one of the Godfathers of Finnish Jazz and his interest in Improvised Music marked the earliest exploration of that genre on the local scene already in the 1960s. He was always very open to cooperation with other European Jazz musicians and recorded many albums with European ensembles, especially with the a.m. Stanko and other Polish, German and British musicians, and as such was an early icon of European Jazz. Overall, this is a remarkable piece of Finnish / European Jazz, full of beautiful melodic lines and fascinating exploration of the Free idiom, which are perfectly balanced on this wonderful album. Wholeheartedly recommended for those young Jazz enthusiasts, who discovered Jazz after his tragically premature departure in 1999.

Updated: 15/06/2024Posted: 15/06/2024

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend