Preface: This recording is dedicated to the music of Finnish composer-bassist Antti Hytti, just like it says in the official description. Hytti must be internationally best known for his contribution to the first two records of the pioneering world music group Piirpauke in the 1970's (he was also part of the Edward Vesala-Tomasz Stanko Quartet in the late 1970's) but he's been an active contributor as a composer from the late 1970's onwards in the Finnish theatre and film world. This is a fine collection of Hytti's works, partly from films, partly elsewhere. What makes this collection of compositions by a globally unknown composer meaningful to the international listener, is that both the compositions and their performances are truly expressive and highly emotional.
The pieces: The themes of the pieces are very melodic, plain, long and expressive, and full of cinemacy. At least in myself, for example Edward Vesala's compositions evoke much stronger visions of visual content, but on the other hand, these pieces have been reworked from the originals to a great extent by means of improvisation.
The sound: Juhani Aaltonen, the best Finnish tenor (and jazz flute) player, has the same Haarla-Korkfors-Laine-quartet backing him as in the great 'Conclusions' [TUM Records 2009], but with extra bass player (=young national star Ville Herrala) and an extra percussionist. The "extended quartet" gives Aaltonen great support and especially the two-bass concept sounds like a treat to the ears and mind alike!
If you've read this far, you're much likely into free-tinged improvised music and you've possibly heard Aaltonen already - if you've liked him before, this recording _definitely_ won't let you down. The sound world is so rich and varied and unique you really have to enjoy it. - TraneSpirit332
Tracks
1. Reminiscence
2. Kukunor
3. To Future Memories /Dedicated To Jussi Kylätasku
4. Hiisi
5. Ursula (For The Polish Ladies)
6. All The Birds
7. Haze
VILLE HERRALA double bass [Left]
ULF KROKFORS double bass [Right]
REINO LAINE drums
TATU RÖNKKÖ percussion
IRO HAARLA piano, harp
JUHANI AALTONEN tenor saxophone, flute, bass flute
Music composed by Antti Hytti
Recorded November 20-22, 2010 at Sound Station in Magnusborg, Porvoo, Finland
TUM Records - TUM CD 036 Finland
https://www.tumrecords.com/