Record Reviews

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

EERO KOIVISTOINEN ~ ALTERED PICTURES SVART 529 (Barcode: 6430077094710) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz This is a 3CD reissue of the two albums by iconic Finnish saxophonist / composer / bandleader Eero KoivistoinenFind albums by this artist recorded originally in the US in 1983 and 1991. CD1 presents the album “Picture In Three ColorsFind albums with this title” recorded by a sextet, which includes Koivistoinen with American musicians: trumpeter Tom HarrellFind albums by this artist, pianist Jim McNeelyFind albums by this artist, guitarist John ScofieldFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron McClureFind albums by this artist and drummer Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, all by the leader. The album was originally released on Koivistoinen’s new (at the time) self-owned record label ProFind albums on this label Records. CD2 presents the album “Altered ThingsFind albums with this title” recorded by a septet, which includes Koivistoinen with American musicians: trumpeter Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist, trombonist Conrad HerwigFind albums by this artist, pianist David KikoskiFind albums by this artist, Scofield, McClure and DeJohnette. Norwegian keyboardist Bugge WesseltoftFind albums by this artist added synthesizer parts on three tracks during post production and mix, which was done at the Rainbow Studio in Oslo by Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original tracks, eight by the leader and one each by Finnish pianist / composer Seppo KantonenFind albums by this artist and McClure. The album was originally released on CD only on the Dutch TimelessFind albums on this label Records label, owned by Wim WigtFind albums by this artist, who produced the album. CD3 presents eight bonus tracks, five from the first album and three from the second, which include both outtakes and alternate takes, all by the leader except one composition by McClure. The music is all within the modern mainstream Jazz tradition, showcasing Koivistoinen’s brilliant composing / arranging skills and superb performances by some of the best American Jazz musicians active at the time. Koivistoinen’s ties with American Jazz go back in time to the years spent at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he absorbed the knowledge he would brilliantly utilize during his future career. He always showed a deep respect towards the American Jazz tradition, but at the same time presented a highly individual voice, which went beyond the boundaries of that tradition and incorporated European musical values and his native Finnish influences, turning him into one of the most versatile and prominent European Jazz personalities, as the music included here brilliantly exemplifies. It is of course great to see these two important albums expanded and made available again, thanks to the exemplary work done by SvartFind albums on this label Records, which treats the Finnish musical treasures with the respect they deserve, preserving the Cultural values, which are perhaps more important today than ever, in these dark days.

Updated: 22/02/2022Posted: 20/02/2022

CD 3 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

IRINA MILAN ~ PAHAN KUKKIA PRO 007 ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 1989 - 1990 Released: 1990 This is a wonderful Jazz & Poetry album by Finnish vocalist Irina MilanFind albums by this artist recorded with a formidable team of Finnish Jazz musicians headed by saxophonist / composer Eero KoivistoinenFind albums by this artist, who composed and arranged all the music, and including also pianist Seppo KantonenFind albums by this artist, bassist Pekka SarmantoFind albums by this artist, drummer Jukkis UotilaFind albums by this artist and percussionist Mongo AaltonenFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight songs, seven based on poems by the French poet Charles BaudelaireFind albums by this artist and one by another French poet Maxime Du CampFind albums by this artist, all translated into Finnish language. The music is absolutely stunning and one of my favorite Koivistoinen´s creations in his extensive recorded legacy. Despite the time, language and cultural gaps between the original poetry and the contemporary approach of the music, it seems that this music and the poetry were destined for each other. Milan is a superb vocalist and her clear, precise and highly emotional delivery is a pure delight from start to finish. The instrumental parts are also sublime with Koivistoinen playing some of the most passionate concise solos of his career. Kantonen is ideal in his role as sensitive accompanist and also delivers some great solo spots. The rhythm section is perfect for the job, and the veterans play with precision and vigor. Overall this is a brilliant album, which reflects the best qualities of Finnish Jazz and the Jazz & Poetry idiom at its full glory. For some strange reason this album is still available (from SvartFind albums on this label Records) so every true music connoisseur in his right mind should be ordering it right now! The fact that you don´t know Finnish means absolutely nothing in this case ;)

Updated: 27/08/2020Posted: 27/08/2020

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend