Record Reviews

EERO KOIVISTOINEN ~ AT BELMONT JAZZ CLUB SVART 737 (Barcode: 6430080238248) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1977 Released: 2025 This is a reissue of a live album the great Finnish saxophonist / composer / bandleader Eero KoivistoinenFind albums by this artist, captured live with his quartet during the Pori Jazz Festival in 1977, which included pianist Vladimir ShafranovFind albums by this artist (Russian born, who arrived in Finland via Israel and became one of the core Finnish Jazz players), bassist Pekka SarmantoFind albums by this artist (another pillar of the Finnish Jazz scene and brother of pianist / composer Heikki SarmantoFind albums by this artist) and drummer Reino LaineFind albums by this artist (probably the most recorded Finnish Jazz drummer). The album presents just four tracks, two of which are original compositions by Koivistoinen, one is his arrangement of a Finnish Folk tune and finally one is a standard. The album was originally released on the iconic LoveFind albums on this label Records label and of course I own a copy since the day it was released. The sound of the live recording is absolutely brilliant. The music is classic mainstream Jazz, dazzlingly performed by these superb musicians. The extended performances allow all the quartet members to solo at length, which is usually not possibly during a studio performance, and allows the listener to be exposed to the incredible skills of these musicians. It is also great to know that all four of them are still alive and kicking, and Koivistoinen and Shafranov are still recording music these days. Overall, this is a great time capsule, presenting the Finnish Jazz scene at its best, and offers some timeless music, which sound amazingly contemporary today. It is a great tribute to these great musicians and I am very happy to see it reissued by SvartFind albums on this label Records, which is doing a great job to preserve the Finnish Jazz legacy.

Updated: 15/11/2025Posted: 15/11/2025

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

EERO KOIVISTOINEN ~ LABYRINTH (40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION) SVART 435 (Barcode: 6430065581413) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1977 Released: 2017 This is a reissue of an iconic album by one of the Godfathers of modern Finnish Jazz, saxophonist / composer / bandleader Eero KoivistoinenFind albums by this artist, which was his second release on the legendary LoveFind albums by this artist Records label. The album was recorded in a classic Jazz quartet setting with Russian born pianist Vladimir ShafranovFind albums by this artist, bassist Pekka SarmantoFind albums by this artist and drummer Reino LaineFind albums by this artist. The original album presents eight tracks, three of which are parts of the suite that gave the album its title. This remastered and expanded 2CD edition adds an entire second CD of alternate takes and outtakes, more than doubling the playing time of original LP. Koivistoinen´s music embraced a stunning stylistic diversity, which crossed genres and idioms from Free Jazz to Jazz-Rock Fusion, Progressive Rock, Jazz & Poetry, children´s songs, World Music and others. His biography, recorded legacy and list of achievements are truly remarkable and can serve as an example of excellence and inspiration. This album presents him as a classic modern mainstream Master, a post-Coltrane virtuoso, as well as a weaver of beautiful, soulful melodic themes, which are ideal vehicles for extended improvisations. The superb musicians playing with him are able to support his soloing ideally, with amazing piano accompaniment and soloing by Shafranov and a most sympathetic and elegant work by the rhythm section. This edition enables the listener to compare the originally selected takes with the alternate takes, which offer a myriad of subtle differences, slight tempo changes and other variations, which are of course characteristic of the process of recording a Jazz album, with each take capturing a unique creative moment. In retrospect this album stands out as one of the finest Finnish Jazz recordings of all time, an absolute classic which lost nothing of its power of expression and timeless beauty over time. It definitely earned a "must have" status for any serious Finnish / European Jazz collection and this expanded edition is even more deserving. Absolutely essential! Koivistoinen is still active today and seems to be as creative as ever, which is awe inspiring. I can only wish you many more years of activity and heath, my Friend!

Updated: 06/07/2020Posted: 06/07/2020

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential 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