Record Reviews

FINNFOREST ~ ALPHA TO OMEGA: THE COMPLETE STUDIO RECORDINGS 1973-1980 SVART 056 (Barcode: 6430065585435) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion Recorded: 1973 - 1980 Released: 2018 This is a reissue of the collected studio recordings by the Finnish Progressive Rock / Fusion ensemble FinnforestFind albums by this artist. It includes the remastered versions of the three LPs recorded by Finnforest and released on the legendary LoveFind albums on this label Records label: "FinnforestFind albums with this title" (1975), "Lahto MatkalleFind albums with this title" (1976) and "DemonnightsFind albums with this title" (1979). Additionally two singles, one compilation track and two previously unissued recording sessions, one before the debut album (1973) and another after the last album (1980), are also included. Beautifully packaged and with in depth liner notes this 3 CD set is a proper tribute to this great band. Finnforest was formed in 1973 by twin brothers Pekka TegelmanFind albums by this artist, who played guitar and Jussi TegelmanFind albums by this artist, who played drums. The early version of the band included also keyboardist Jukka RissanenFind albums by this artist, bassist Jarmo HiekkalaFind albums by this artist and vocalist Ari MustonenFind albums by this artist. This quintet lineup plays on the six early tracks recorded in 1973. The first album was recorded in Sweden in 1975 just by the trio of Tegelman brothers and Jukka Rissanen. The second album was also recorded in Sweden a year later, and featured the Tegelman brothers, Hiekkala on bass and keyboardist Jukka LinkolaFind albums by this artist, Second keyboardist Pertti PokkiFind albums by this artist plays on two tracks and a string section conducted by Otto DonnerFind albums by this artist plays on one track. The third album was recorded in 1978 and features only Jussi Tegelman from the original lineup and the rest are all new members: keyboardist Jarmo SavolainenFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jari RissanenFind albums by this artist, bassist Tuomo HelinFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Juhani AaltonenFind albums by this artist. Pekka Tegelman plays only on some of the tracks. The last session features all new musicians playing with Jussi Tegelman. All the music present on this set, except for one track, was composed by one or the other of the Tegelman brothers. The early tracks are typical proto-Prog but starting with the tracks on the first album the music becomes absolutely stunning, with complex compositions and lengthy improvisations, slowly moving from Symphonic Prog into Jazz-Rock Fusion, with even more daring and challenging musical excursions. In retrospect it is clear that Finnforest were one of the most important European Prog groups in the 1970s, creating some of the most exciting music that came out of Finland at the time, despite the fact that they had fierce competition as Finland at the time produced incredible amount of fascinating music. It is great to see these classic albums back in circulation and the bonus tracks are always a welcome incentive. This is definitely a must have for all true Prog and Fusion collectors from around the world.

Updated: 02/07/2020Posted: 02/07/2020

CD 3 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend