Record Reviews

MATTI JARVINEN / CASCADE / MIKE WESTHUES BAND / FYYRALYYRA ~ POP LIISA VOL. 13 & VOL. 14 SVART 085 (Barcode: 6430065583080) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1976 - 1977 Released: 2017 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 Matti JarvinenFind albums by this artist appeared on the Finnish scene for a brief period, which allowed him to record just one album called "Martin LevyFind albums with this title" and a few concerts, before he decided to leave the music business completely and disappeared into oblivion. This live broadcast is the only glimpse in existence of his concert activities. He is supported by keyboardist Kari KuusamoFind albums by this artist, bassist Harri MerilahtiFind albums by this artist and drummer Upi SorvaliFind albums by this artist. Together they perform four original songs, all by Jarvinen, which originate from the a.m. album. Musically this material is Prog oriented and offers highly melodic compositions based on interesting Rock riffs. These live versions feature impressive guitar and keyboards soloing. The group CascadeFind albums by this artist, fronted by the double female vocal line of Ami EspelundFind albums by this artist and Marjo-Riitta KervinenFind albums by this artist included also keyboardist Kari Kuusamo, guitarist Pekka LeminenFind albums by this artist, bassist Renne AngelvuoFind albums by this artist and drummer Heikki LyttinenFind albums by this artist. They perform four covers of Pop songs (three of which are by Stevie WonderFind albums by this artist), nicely arranged with a slight Jazzy feel. It is the most Pop oriented material in the entire Pop Liisa series. American singer / songwriter Mike WesthuesFind albums by this artist lived in Finland twice for relatively short periods, during which he managed to record four albums as a leader. This live broadcast finds him performing five songs from the two albums he recorded for LoveFind albums on this label Records, all written by him. He is supported by pianist Heikki HiekkalaFind albums by this artist, guitarist Dave LindholmFind albums by this artist, bassist Make LievonenFind albums by this artist, and drummer Urpo LeppanenFind albums by this artist. Tiitta SpoutFind albums by this artist sings backing vocals. The music is pretty straightforward American Country Rock, but is excellently executed, being no less exciting than the same kind of music was played across the pond. FyyralyyraFind albums by this artist is by far the most interesting group in this collection, a Jazz-World Fusion quintet fronted by two multi-instrumentalists Jouni KoskimakiFind albums by this artist and Hannu LehtorantaFind albums by this artist, who among the two of them played a plethora of string and wind instruments, guitarist Arto KakkoFind albums by this artist, bassist Hannu TahtelaFind albums by this artist and drummer Juoni KestiFind albums by this artist. Just before this live broadcast was captured they recorded their eponymous debut album, which sadly turned out to be their sole recorded output. They perform four pieces, two composed by Lehtoranta and two folk tunes (one Irish and one Finnish) arranged by Lehtoranta and Koskimaki. They are often compared to the legendary Finnish group PiirpaukeFind albums by this artist, who pioneered the local Jazz-World Fusion idiom. 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: 13/05/2020

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