Record Reviews

IRINA MILAN ~ PAHAN KUKKIA PRO 007 ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 1989 - 1990 Released: 1990 This is a wonderful Jazz & Poetry album by Finnish vocalist Irina MilanFind albums by this artist recorded with a formidable team of Finnish Jazz musicians headed by saxophonist / composer Eero KoivistoinenFind albums by this artist, who composed and arranged all the music, and including also pianist Seppo KantonenFind albums by this artist, bassist Pekka SarmantoFind albums by this artist, drummer Jukkis UotilaFind albums by this artist and percussionist Mongo AaltonenFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight songs, seven based on poems by the French poet Charles BaudelaireFind albums by this artist and one by another French poet Maxime Du CampFind albums by this artist, all translated into Finnish language. The music is absolutely stunning and one of my favorite Koivistoinen´s creations in his extensive recorded legacy. Despite the time, language and cultural gaps between the original poetry and the contemporary approach of the music, it seems that this music and the poetry were destined for each other. Milan is a superb vocalist and her clear, precise and highly emotional delivery is a pure delight from start to finish. The instrumental parts are also sublime with Koivistoinen playing some of the most passionate concise solos of his career. Kantonen is ideal in his role as sensitive accompanist and also delivers some great solo spots. The rhythm section is perfect for the job, and the veterans play with precision and vigor. Overall this is a brilliant album, which reflects the best qualities of Finnish Jazz and the Jazz & Poetry idiom at its full glory. For some strange reason this album is still available (from SvartFind albums on this label Records) so every true music connoisseur in his right mind should be ordering it right now! The fact that you don´t know Finnish means absolutely nothing in this case ;)

Updated: 27/08/2020Posted: 27/08/2020

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