Record Reviews

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

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CLAIRE HAMILL ~ TOUCHPAPER ESOTERIC 2077 (Barcode: 5013929717725) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1983 Released: 2008 5th album by the wonderful British singer / songwriter Claire HamillFind albums by this artist, who recorded her first four albums in the early 1970s, which were beautiful Folk-Rock / Prog creations, and then disappeared from the scene for several years. She re-appeared in the early 1980s as the lead singer with the band Wishbone AshFind albums by this artist, and after leaving the band recorded this solo album. She delivers a set of great songs and is accompanied by many excellent musicians, but the album suffers from the 1980s production techniques, which soaked everything in cheesy synthesized sounds. Once these are (mentally) filtered out, the remaining content is excellent and memorable. Definitely worth checking out!

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WISHBONE ASH ~ ARGUS MCA 112816 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock 3rd album from 1972 by this excellent UK group, considered by many as their finest hour and presenting the quintessential sound and vision of the band. Fronted by two lead guitarists and supported by a fine rhythm section, they created some of the best melodic rock ever made, with long improvisations by the guitarists exchanging licks and tricks. Never a dull moment and a true classic!

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WISHBONE ASH ~ ARGUS (DELUXE EDITION) ISLAND 9849624 (Barcode: 602498496244) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 2007 3rd album by the one of the most prominent members of the UK Classic Rock scene Wishbone AshFind albums by this artist and considered their best effort. Fronted by two lead guitarists Andy PowellFind albums by this artist and Ted TurnerFind albums by this artist, with Martin TurnerFind albums by this artist (no relation to Ted) on bass and Steve UptonFind albums by this artist on drums, the group managed to create a unique sound and come up with some of the most memorable riffs and melodies of the 1970s. The instrumental work and especially the lead guitar duets remain to this very day as a prime example of Rock at its best, which sounds today as fresh as it was at the time of the recording. This new edition, which marks the 35th Anniversary of the album’s release, not only restores the sound of the original recording to its full glory but also adds some superb live performances, like the content of the promotional EP “Live In Memphis” (an ultra-rare collector’s item) and an entire second CD which includes the band’s BBC recordings made following the release of the album. All together this is a great trip down the memory lane with over two hours of some of the best music one can get. Recommended to all fans of the band and Classic Rock fans wherever they might be.

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WISHBONE ASH ~ THE KING WILL COME RECEIVER 276 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Wishbone Ash dominated the UK rock scene in the early 1970s as one of the finest British groups. Famous for their double lead guitar line-up and their memorable tunes with extended themes and tempo changes. The group re-united in the 1990s and still enjoys a strong fan base around the world and tours constantly. This 1999 live recording shows them at their best playing many of their old favorites the way only they can.

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WISHBONE ASH ~ TIMELINE RECEIVER 216 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Wishbone Ash dominated the UK rock scene in the early 1970s as one of the finest British groups. Famous for their double lead guitar line-up and their memorable tunes with extended themes and tempo changes. The group re-united in the 1990s and still enjoys a strong fan base around the world and tours constantly. This 1997 live recording shows them at their best playing many of their old favorites the way only they can.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

WISHBONE ASH ~ WISHBONE ASH BGO 234 (Barcode: 5017261202345) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 1994 1st album by this legendary group Wishbone AshFind albums by this artist, famous for its double lead guitar front. Great melodies that are considered rock classics and amazing guitar work of course. A must in any serious rock collection and a piece of history. Sounds as fresh today as it was the day it was recorded.

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