Record Reviews

EDWARD VESALA ~ NORDIC GALLERY ECM 1541 (Barcode: 731452329424) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1993 - 1994 Released: 1994 This is the last ECMFind albums on this label album by the great Finnish drummer / composer Edward VesalaFind albums by this artist, recorded a few years before his untimely death in 1999. Vesala was one of the great forefathers of the extraordinary Finnish Jazz scene, which started to develop in the 1960s, as well as one of the great figures of European Jazz, as collaborator with musicians from many European countries, like the Polish trumpeter Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist for example. In the last years prior to his death Vesala led an ensemble called Sound & FuryFind albums by this artist, comprised of young Finnish players, which is present on this album. Several additional musicians are also present, including the legendary bassist Pekka SarmantoFind albums by this artist. The music, all written by Vesala, is as usual based on Finnish folklore and mixes in Jazz improvisation, contemporary Classical idioms, World Music and Avant-Rock. This is definitely not easy music, but its Nordic serenity and intrinsic beauty are captivating. Warmly recommended to the more adventurous listeners!

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