Record Reviews

JUKKA HAURU / NONO SODERBERG / FINNFOREST / ELONKORJUU ~ POP LIISA VOL. 05 & VOL. 06 SVART 009 ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1976 - 1977 Released: 2016 The "Popstudio" / "Jazzstudio" broadcasts were usually dedicated to one band / artist, 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. Guitarist / composer Jukka HauruFind albums by this artist appeared already on the "Pop Liisa Vol. 01 & Vol. 02Find albums with this title" album some three years before this recording was captured. In the meantime he released his second album "EpisodeFind albums with this title" (on LoveFind albums on this label Records), but the band playing here was completely different from the crew that recorded the album, except for the violinist Juhani PoutanenFind albums by this artist. The other players are pianist Eero OjanenFind albums by this artist, bassist Tapani TamminenFind albums by this artist, drummer Esko RosnellFind albums by this artist and percussionist Ari ValtonenFind albums by this artist. They perform just one extended instrumental composition by Hauru, a six-part suite, which did not appear on any of his albums, a complex Jazz-Rock Fusion piece featuring lengthy Jazz improvisations. Guitarist / composer Nono SoderbergFind albums by this artist released his debut album "NonoFind albums with this title" about a year before this recording was captured and two of the pieces from that album, which were composed by him, get expanded renditions here by a band which also includes saxophonist Reijo YlinenFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Esa KotilainenFind albums by this artist, bassist Harri MerilahtiFind albums by this artist, drummer Roope KoistinenFind albums by this artist and percussionist Esa RoswallFind albums by this artist. The music is more conventional Fusion oriented, with melodic themes and some Prog elements as well. By the time the second broadcast presented here was captured (early 1977), the so called "first wave" of Finnish Progressive Rock / Fusion bands was almost over with Tasavallan PresidenttiFind albums by this artist already disbanded and WigwamFind albums by this artist about to be disbanded after switching to more Pop oriented music. This gave an opportunity to the "second wave" of Finnish Prog / Fusion bands like those appearing here to capture the scene. FinnforestFind albums by this artist already had two excellent albums under their belt, the eponymous debut "FinnforestFind albums with this title" from 1975 and the follow up "Lahto MatkalleFind albums with this title" from 1976, both released on Love Records. Founded by the brothers: guitarist Pekka TegelmanFind albums by this artist and drummer Jussi TegelmanFind albums by this artist the band also included keyboardist Pertti PokkiFind albums by this artist and bassist Jarmo HiekkalaFind albums by this artist. They perform two pieces, which did not appear on the released albums, one by Pokki and the other by Jussi Tegelman. The music is strongly Fusion oriented, with some Prog elements present as well. ElonkorjuuFind albums by this artist had a long history debuting with their album "Harvest TimeFind albums with this title" already in 1972, which was Blues-Rock oriented. Over time they disbanded and created the group again, changing the lineup and musical direction more towards Jazz-Rock Fusion and Funk. The lineup present here includes vocalist Kari TamminenFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Juha UnkilaFind albums by this artist, pianist Pekka TyniFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jukka SyreniusFind albums by this artist, bassist Veli-Pekka PessiFind albums by this artist and drummer Veikko NoutioFind albums by this artist. They perform three songs, all by Syrenius, which showcase the stylistic diversity of their music. 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: 15/05/2020Posted: 03/05/2020

CD 1 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

ORFEUS / HASSE WALLI & ZEUS ~ POP LIISA VOL. 15 & VOL. 16 SVART 088 (Barcode: 6430065583523) ~ FINLAND ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2017 The Finnish Rock band OrfeusFind albums by this artist, formed in 1971, followed the same path that many other similar bands also traveled on, starting as an impressive Progressive Rock outfit and by the mid 1970s switching gradually into more commercial, mainstream Rock oriented act. At the time this live radio broadcast was recorded, they were at the peak of their Prog period, as this performance undoubtedly proves. Organist Heikki HiekkalaFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jan OdnerFind albums by this artist, bassist Klaus StoltFind albums by this artist and drummer / vocalist Urpo LeppanenFind albums by this artist perform just four lengthy covers of highly ambitious material (The BandFind albums by this artist, Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist. Jack BruceFind albums by this artist and Pink FloydFind albums by this artist), which feature the heavenly sound of early 1970s, with heavy Hammond parts, screaming guitars solos and high-pitched vocals (in English) as appropriate for the Prog of the time. It is a great reminder what Prog was all about during its first reign, to which it sadly never managed to return again. Guitarist Hasse WalliFind albums by this artist is rightly considered as the Godfather of modern Finnish Rock. He was the lead guitarist of Blues SectionFind albums by this artist, the band that started it all and spawned Tasavallan PresidenttiFind albums by this artist and WigwamFind albums by this artist. He formed the band Hasse Walli & ZeusFind albums by this artist in 1972 after a period of inactivity caused by an injury, joined by four excellent musicians: guitarist Tommy KnifFind albums by this artist, bassist Renne AngelvuoFind albums by this artist and drummer Ari ValtonenFind albums by this artist. The group existed for a brief period of time and didn´t manage to record an album, and this live radio broadcast is the only recorded evidence of their existence. They perform four extended pieces, three covers (Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, Frank Zappa, and Bob DylanFind albums by this artist) and one original by Walli. As with the Orfeus set, this is a wonderful reminder of what Classic Rock / Prog sounded at their best. This "Popstudio" broadcast is the earliest of those included in this wonderful 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 Classic Rock and 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: 14/05/2020Posted: 14/05/2020

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JUKKA TOLONEN RAMBLIN` JAZZ BAND / KOM QUARTET ~ JAZZ LIISA VOL. 03 & VOL. 04 SVART 024 (Barcode: 6430050665807) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1973 - 1975 Released: 2016 Guitarist / composer / bandleader Jukka TolonenFind albums by this artist moved with ease between Progressive Rock, Fusion and Jazz and was one of the founders of modern Finnish music scene. The band captured during this live radio broadcast features a powerful double rhythm section and includes also trumpeter Mike KoskinenFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Pekka PoyryFind albums by this artist, bassists Pekka PohjolaFind albums by this artist and Heikki VirtanenFind albums by this artist and drummers Reino LaineFind albums by this artist and Ronnie OsterbergFind albums by this artist, a most impressive collection of top Finnish Fusion / Jazz musicians at the time. They perform only two extended pieces, around twenty minutes each, both composed by Tolonen. The first piece originates from his second album "Summer GamesFind albums with this title" and the second from his debut album "Tolonen!Find albums with this title". Both pieces feature extensive soloing by all participants, including a rare violin solo by Pohjola, who of course is primarily known as a legendary bassist / composer. The KOM QuartetFind albums by this artist, which was captured here in an expanded sextet lineup featuring two vocalists: Eija OrpanaFind albums by this artist (who also plays violin) and Pertti MelasniemiFind albums by this artist (who also plays percussion) in addition to the four instrumentalists, regular members of the band: pianist Eero OjanenFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jukka HauruFind albums by this artist, bassist Tapani TamminenFind albums by this artist and drummer Ari ValtonenFind albums by this artist, were members of the KOM Theatre group of musical / social activists. They perform six songs (two combined into one track), composed three each by Hauru and Ojanen, all based on the lyrics by the novelist / poet Claes AnderssonFind albums by this artist, who was later on Finland´s Minister of Culture (1995-1998). Although featuring lyrics, these tracks are mostly instrumental and feature extensive soloing by Hauru and Ojanen. 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: 03/06/2020Posted: 03/06/2020

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend