Record Reviews

OTTO DONNER / FREE FOR ALL ~ LIVE AT FIVE CORNERS TUM BOX 001 (Barcode: 6430015280243) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2000 - 2002 Released: 2011 This fabulous Box Set collects a series of live recordings by the Godfather of modern Finnish Jazz trumpeter / composer / arranger / conductor / bandleader and music activist Otto DonnerFind albums by this artist and a gathering of Finnish Jazz musicians of diverse ages and stylistic affiliations, called Free For AllFind albums by this artist, which took residence under Donner´s wings at the Jazz Club JUMO located in the Five Corners area of Helsinki, presenting a series of concerts during the first half of 2002, which were recorded and although initially not intended for release, proved to be way to valuable to be left forgotten, and were eventually released in this Box Set about a decade later. The lineup of the ensemble performing at each of the sessions included in this Box Set changed slightly and the recordings were organized into six CDs according to different unifying thematic concepts, rather than by session. The music includes new arrangements of compositions by Donner and other Finnish Jazz composers or members of the band as well as familiar Jazz standards. The sixth CD includes music and a film about improvisation, which documents Donner and the band, recorded and filmed in 2000. The musicians performing the music alongside Donner are: saxophonists Rasmus KorsstromFind albums by this artist and Pepa PaivinenFind albums by this artist, trombonists Jari HongistoFind albums by this artist and Markku VeijonsuoFind albums by this artist, pianists Kari IkonenFind albums by this artist, Seppo KantonenFind albums by this artist and Eero OjanenFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jukka OrmaFind albums by this artist, bassists Ville HuolmanFind albums by this artist and Tuure KoskiFind albums by this artist, drummer Tom NekljudovFind albums by this artist and finally vocalist Johanna IivanainenFind albums by this artist. The music is absolutely stunning, even though performed rather informally and not meant to be saved for posterity. The musicians are all highly professional and the atmosphere of camaraderie and obvious mutual respect is a predominant factor which makes this music sound as great as it does. Stylistically the music spans a wide range from modern mainstream to well organized free explorations, Jazz-Rock Fusion and Orchestral Jazz, and the six hours of playing time are over in an instant. Donner´s immense talent, experience and leadership managed to produce a wonderful document of the strength and diversity of the Finnish Jazz scene at the time, which now is a part of the cultural heritage. The Box Set is beautifully packaged, using the paintings by Paul OsipowFind albums by this artist and including a highly informative booklet with detailed information about the music and the circumstances of its recording, a true example of a publishing labor of love and an example of how things should be done – hats off! For Finnish Jazz fans and followers this is an absolute must of course!

Updated: 03/09/2020Posted: 03/09/2020

CD+DVD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend