Record Reviews

KERKKO KOSKINEN / LINDA FREDRIKSSON / UMO ~ AGATHA 2 RICKY-TICK 023 (Barcode: 5050580790001) ~ FINLAND ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is an album by Finnish composer Kerkko KoskinenFind albums by this artist, which features saxophonist Linda FredrikssonFind albums by this artist and the legendary UMO Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, conducted by Mikko HassinenFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, all composed and arranged by Koskinen, who also plays piano on one track and sings on another track. As the title suggests, it is the second album in a series of instrumental works dedicated to Agatha ChristieFind albums by this artist, following the first album released in 2007. The music is beautifully melodic, and the orchestration explores in full the power and skills of the UMO members, in addition to the soloing by Fredriksson, creating together a cinematic atmosphere, which is exactly what the composer had in mind. Koskinen’s compositions are full of atmospheric tension and drama, and have been his trademark since the early days of his career as a solo artist. The UMO is undoubtedly one of the finest Jazz orchestras, and has been an integral part of the Finnish Jazz scene since its inception in 1975, now celebrating proudly its 50th Anniversary. Over the years many of the top Finnish Jazz musicians were members of the orchestra and this tradition continues to this very day. The UMO is an exceptional example of the European approach to Jazz Big Band / Orchestras, which treats the entire orchestra as one body creating the music, rather than musicians accompanying soloist. Overall, this is lovely album of instrumental / orchestral music, which is accessible to a large audience much beyond strictly Jazz lovers, but of course the music is Jazz oriented and lovers of Big Band / Orchestral Jazz should be delighted by the outcome. Highly recommended!

Updated: 05/04/2026Posted: 05/04/2026

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UMO / AALTONEN / BJORKENHEIM / HAARLA ~ THE SKY IS RUBY TUM 017 (Barcode: 6430015280175) ~ FINLAND ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 This is a superb album by Finnish Jazz guitarist / composer Raoul BjorkenheimFind albums by this artist, recorded with the brilliant UMO Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist conducted by Mikko HassinenFind albums by this artist, and featured guest soloist: legendary saxophonist Juhani AaltonenFind albums by this artist and pianist / harpist Iro HaarlaFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, all of which are original compositions by Bjorkenheim. The music is a unique opportunity to hear a Big Band in a Free Jazz / Improvised Music milieu, making this one of the most fascinating albums in the UMO extensive recording legacy. The full power of the Big Band / Orchestra, exploding with many instrumentalists improvising Freely at the same time, is a truly enlightening experience, which appears here in its full glory. The leader, the guest soloist and all the Orchestra members are sublime instrumentalists, so the resulting music is truly deeply moving and breathtaking, for the entire duration. It might be somewhat surprising for the less experienced listeners, nothing that cannot be amended after a repeated and open-minded additional listening. Overall, this is a truly rare occasion to hear the great Finnish Jazz at its best, and now also in a highly unusual circumstances, which amalgamate Big Band / Orchestral Jazz and the Free Jazz / Improvised Music Jazz categories into an ecstatic eruption of energy, beauty and true Artistry!

Updated: 09/04/2026Posted: 09/04/2026

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