Record Reviews

SOINTI JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ KOLIBRI NOVA 26 (Barcode: 6420114021564) ~ FINLAND ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020 This is the fourth album by the Finnish Sointi Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, founded in 2013 by composer / arranger / conductor Rasmus SoiniFind albums by this artist. The orchestra / Big Band consists of a classic four section lineup, altogether seventeen musicians, conducted by Soini. Norwegian saxophonist Marius NesetFind albums by this artist guests on the title track. The album presents seven original compositions, all by Soini. The music is absolutely stunning, combining a plethora of diverse influences, from contemporary Classical, Folklore, cinematic music, etc. all beautifully arranged with a strong Jazz flavor, but definitely quite apart from a typical Jazz Orchestra / Big Band, in many respects, like instrumentation, the respective roles of the sections and general balance and aural ambience. This is another extraordinary example of the European approach to orchestral Jazz, which seeks well beyond the traditional swing and riff exchanges between the sections, presenting a superb palette of musical tricks of the trade, which altogether sounds completely unique. The album offers a clear emphasis on the orchestral performance, rather than on individual soloing, which is not a significant element of this music, except perhaps for the title track. The amazing section unisono performances and the overall delicate balance between the instruments, even during the crescendo moments, is amazing example of reserve and general intentional “cool”, which are simply breathtaking. Overall this is definitely one of the finest European Jazz Orchestra / Big Band albums that landed on my desk in recent years, which makes me curious to hear the rest of the albums the orchestra recorded. As usual, Finnish Jazz does not disappoint, and stands up to the brilliant achievements of its legacy, which keeps to be developed by the new generation of local musicians and composers. True orchestral Jazz fans should have a field day with this music, especially those from beyond the pons, who are rarely exposed to such unique, creative and innovative approach to the Big Band idiom. Absolutely and wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 13/03/2021Posted: 13/03/2021

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SOINTI JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ SAARNAAJA NOVA 23 (Barcode: 6420114012036) ~ FINLAND ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2016 This is the third album by the Finnish Sointi Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, founded in 2013 by composer / arranger / conductor Rasmus SoiniFind albums by this artist. The orchestra consists of seventeen musicians, forming the classic four sections. On this album the special guest and primary soloist is the legendary Finnish saxophonist / flautist Juhani AaltonenFind albums by this artist. The album presents a five-parts (and two cadenzas) suite, composed by Soini, entitled “The Preacher”, or rather The Jazz Preacher, a most appropriate name for Aaltonen, who obviously is one of the Godfathers of modern Finnish Jazz. The music is absolutely gorgeous, which is hardly surprising when Finnish Jazz is being played, superbly composed, arranged and performed by the orchestra and Aaltonen, who despite his age (born 1935, i.e. aged 81 at the time of the recordings) shows no signs of wear and tear whatsoever. The music is a perfect amalgam of Jazz tradition, Finnish Folk and Classical influences and at times even pretty Free Form outings, which all fit together as perfectly as one might desire. Aaltonen’s soloing is as imaginative and inspired as his entire work over the decades, staying fully relevant and contemporary at all times. The compositions and arrangements call for the entire palette of the Orchestra to be demonstrated in full, wonderfully emphasizing the European approach to orchestral Jazz music, which reaches beyond the American Big Band tradition, crossing over to Classical Orchestral heritage and other contemporary musical idioms. The Sointi Jazz Orchestra clearly manages to achieve a unique language, which distinguishes it from all other European Jazz Orchestras, and it expands the boundaries of the genres with a fresh and bold approach, without necessarily breaking any basic rules. Rasmus Soini certainly deserves respect for forming the orchestra, composing the original music it performs and establishing a unique approach, which altogether seems to be working splendidly, as their albums positively prove. This album is a wonderful piece of music, which certainly deserves to be discovered and listened to but listeners, who might also come from beyond the strict Jazz circle, as it certainly is universally beautiful. Thanks for the music!

Updated: 09/05/2021Posted: 09/05/2021

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