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: 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: 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