CD Review: Ruut's 'Glimpse'

Ruut
Glimpse
Self-Release

Born in Finland and based in Baltimore, Ruut brings infectious folk music grooves to the forefront with vocals akin to Dala Girls, Tori Amos, and the Beu Sisters. The folk repertoire is steeped in swirling guitar melodies, bass, keys, piano, accordion, and percussion. Each track is catchy and worth repeated listens. "Hourglass" is a more introspective tune, because it is rather slow and sparse on instrumentation. However, Ruut's voice is still a gem throughout. Additionally, "Church Bells," "Heartbreak," and "No One Will Ever Love You" are slower tunes. In contrast, "Glimpse," "Make It Good," and "Last One" are more up-tempo and pop-focused. Overall, Ruut's tender vocals are meaningful and pop-centric. Fans of folk music with a pop edge will love Ruut. For a 'glimpse' into a musical world that is filled with redeeming values, Ruut will satisfy all those seeking really, really good music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mop Mop's 'Isle of Magic'

Mop Mop
Isle of Magic
Agogo Records

Mop Mop is Andrea Benini, Anthony Joseph, and Fred Wesley on the new album, Isle of Magic. The music was recorded in Germany and Italy, but it retains a global element of free jazz, fusion, funk, Latin, and new age music with Caribbean tones, as well as American electronica. The music is largely instrumental with some poetic, spoken words. The scintillating steel drum and fluid grooves are highly-infectious. There are danceable tracks and tracks to space out to. The eclectic and exotic rhythms are fresh and highlighted by the likes of Trinidad-born poet and singer Anthony Joseph, funk legend Fred Wesley, and the lovely, Finnish-Egyptian vocalist, Sara Sayed. There are a variety of flutes, sax, percussion, and vibraphone vibes that make the album shine with global flavor. This is great world jazz, funk, fusion, and dance music with an analog slice of heaven. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Arto Jarvela & Kaivama's Self-Titled Release

Arto Jarvela & Kaivama
Arto Jarvela & Kaivama
Oart Musick

The Finnish-American folk duo, Kaivama, which is comprised of Sara Pajunen on fiddle and vocals and Jonathan Rundman on acoustic guitar, harmonium, mandolin, piano and vocals, is joined by Finnish-native, Arto Jarvela. Arto is a skilled fiddler, singofiddler, and esseharpaist. There are thirteen tracks that are mostly instrumental, but the vocals are as spritely as the fiery fiddling. The drone of the harmonium and uppity ambiance of the fiddle brings together two unifying sounds of splendid brilliance and folkish flare. Fans of folk music, Finnish music, and Scandinavian roots music will love the sweeping melodies and upbeat rhythms throughout the album. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kardemimmit's 'Autio Huvila'

Kardemimmit
Autio Huvila
Frigg

The kantele, a plucked zither indigenous to Finland, is the primary instrument in Kardemimmit's repertoire, but they also include harmonicas, double bass, guitar, and bouzouki. The group is comprised of four young ladies from Finland. They are excellent vocalists and professional kantele players in Finland and beyond. The music is traditional folk music that is vocally similar to another Finnish folk group, Varttina. However, Kardemimmit does not utilize as many instruments as Varttina. The sweet vocals are a perfect match for the scintillating kantele strings. The harp-like tonal qualities are very relaxing and engaging. The liner notes include Finnish lyrics only, but song summaries are in English. This is a great album for folk music fans with an interest in Scandinavia. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: V/A - 'Arctic Paradise: Contemporary Music From Finland 2012'

Various Artists
Arctic Paradise: Contemporary Music From Finland 2012
FIMIC

The Finnish Music Information Centre located in Helsinki releases yet another CD with nearly 90 pages of musical text wholly devoted to the contemporary Finnish music scene. Music articles included by Pirkko Kotirinta, Henna Salo, Merja Hottinen, Riika Hiltunen, and Songlines Magazine editor, Simon Broughton. The articles focus on fusion, indigenous styles, and unconventional musicmaking throughout Finland. Some of the artists included on the compilation are Frigg, Maria Kalaniemi, Suo, Johanna Juhola, Svang, Wimme, Karuna, Nordik Tree, and others. The mix of vocal and instrumental music is refreshing and pleasant for the ears. There is an absence of Varttina on this release, which is somewhat disappointing. Still, the FIMIC puts together a timeless release with loads of informative liner notes and album artwork. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: V/A - 'Arctic Paradise: Contemporary Music From Finland 2010'

Various Artists
Arctic Paradise: Contemporary Music From Finland 2010
FIMIC

The contemporary music of Finland is poignantly captured by researcher, Pirkko Kotirinta. The stylish liner notes weigh in at nearly 80 pages of text. The information contains in-depth analysis of various music genres from Finland, including vocal genres, pelimanni music, accordion/harmonium, kantele, jouhikko, sami, and fusion styles. The music of Tsuumi Sound System, Svang, Sanna Kurki-Suonio, Trepaanit, Lepisto-Lehti, KTU, Frigg, Vilma Timonen Quartet, Alamaailman Vasarat, Ulla, and others are included on the compilation. However, the sounds of Finland's finest performers--Wimme and JPP--are nowhere to be seen. Some of the artists not featured on the tracklist are discussed in the text. The compilation runs the gamut of traditional styles in a contemporary context. However, this is not your pop or rock album. Nevertheless, some rock elements make their way into KTU's "Quiver." Overall, the Finnish Music Information Centre produced a fine example of Finland's music heritage on CD. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Finland's Kaivama

Kaivama

Kaivama

Independent Release

Finland's long line of fiddlers and fiddling history is not solely confined within the country's borders. In fact, the U.S. contains sizable Finnish populations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Moreover, Kaivama is based out of Minneapolis, MN. The duo of Sara Pajunen and Jonathan Rundman provide the musical accompaniment on violin, piano, percussive keys, guitar, harmonium, electric piano, banjo, organ, mandolin, and voice. The fine Finnish fiddling is a nothing more than half a step away from Frigg and the Gypsy stylings of Taraf de Haidouks. Of course, there are the more solemn, classic tunes, such as 'Roros' and 'Chicago Waltz.' More energetic folk-guitar-fiddle tunes such as 'Sulo' and 'Schottische 150' represent a modern move into the world of Finnish music. Fans of JPP, Sattuma, Troka, Frigg, and instrumental folk music will love Kaivama's debut release and welcome it with open strings...I mean arms. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sattuma's 'Kinofilmi'

Sattuma

Kinofilmi

Sketis Music

The modern folk music from Karelia is nicely performed by Sattuma. A group comprised of violin, bass, drums, bagpipes, clarinet, yoik chants, sax, flutes, accordion, mandolin, kantele, and bouzouki is sure to mesmerize all who listen. Songs are mostly written by the band. Liner notes include English, Finnish, and Russian commentary. The mostly male vocals and female backing vocals are very refreshing and engaging. The folk melodies are akin to any modern band coming out of Scandinavia, the Balkans, or Western Russia. The songs are surprisingly cheery and easy to sing along to. It is one of the best recordings to come across my desk over the past ten years. Kinofilmi is the soundtrack for the film called life. Own it today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Finnish Frigg

Frigg

Grannen

Frigg

The Finnish group, Frigg, release their fifth album to date. Grannen is a fine example of Finnish strings with a light mix of guitar, mandolin, bagpipes, cittern, and double bass to keep it all interesting. Frigg is an ideal example of nordgrass, or a type of Scandinavian roots-folk music, with a soothing mix of instrumental fiddle and guitar tunes that mimic the bluegrass and Celtic musical traditions. Frigg has musical connections with Finland's JPP fiddling troupe, as well as Norway's former-Frigg member, Gjermund Larsen. "Maple Cake Farm" is a giddy tune as sweet as its name. The free-spirited "Bussen" is a slice of fiddle Heaven. Frigg has a way of conveying a musical message without words, but with strings and other fine folk instruments. The result is never dull. Grannen is another album for fans of instrumental Finnish folk music. Get Frigg'd, or leave unhappy! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Finland's Islaja

Islaja

Keraaminen Paa

Fonal Records

Islaja is the name of Finland's Merja Kokkonen. Her latest album, Keraaminen Paa (Ceramic Head), is a Finnish language album of avante-garde folk and experimental electronica. Though, Keraaminen Paa is a fairly lo-fi recording with moments of electronic instrumentation similar to Norway's Sorten Muld and contemplative vocals that are a bit more bizarre in the vein of Sweden's Sofia Jannok and Iceland's Bjork. The earthy sounds do not necessarily reflect a melodic pattern, but the shamanic beats of "Rakkauden Palvelija" contrast with the spacey, atmospheric sounds of "Ihmispuku". Islaja's voice is mysterious, haunting, and full of life. The modern folk-electronica genre in Scandinavia is widespread and varied. However, Islaja's sound also takes on similar tones and melodies with the Faroe Islands' Valravn. Basically, anyone into Scandinavian folk-electronica with ambient leanings will enjoy the slower, more adventurous tones of Keraaminen Paa. The Finnish liner notes are also translated into English. ~ Matthew Forss