Guitarist-composer Raoul Björkenheim has put an hour of frenzied new Finnish jazz on UMO's music stands. Veteran brass player Juhani Aaltonen, harp and piano artist Iro Haarla, and UMO's many talented soloists raise their veils towards traditional big band aesthetics. At the helm is the delightfully insane Captain Björkenheim, who navigates between the United States and Finland.
The harmony is as dense as the thickest drizzle. However, leaving the entire orchestra moments of respite balances even the most massive attacks of the big orca. Aaltonen, who can be heard as the main soloist alongside Björkenheim's guitar, says that with his instrument he has a delightfully multi-faceted voice. Haarla's insightful approach to his instruments is calming, focusing the listener's attention over even the most intense sound poems. The course is held - and if necessary not held - by drummer Markus Ketola together with bassist Ville Huolman.
Music lovers with a sweet tooth should stay away from Björkenheim's new, peppery concoctions. If jazz were to be judged like jalapenos, a pot of The Sky Is Ruby would be enjoyed “at your own risk”, although it is not “lethal”. - www.sounds.fl
Tracks
1. The Sky Is Ruby
2. Questions
3. In The Green Light
4. The Bloody Fields
5. Lost Love
6. Fiery Flight
JUHANI AALTONEN alto flute, tenor saxophone
MIKKO MÄKINEN alto saxophone, bass clarinet (3), clarinet (3)
PENTTI LAHTI sopranino, soprano & alto saxophone, flute, bass flute, piccolo flute
PERTTI PÄIVINEN baritone saxophone, bass saxophone, soprano saxophone, bass clarinet (3)
VILLE HUOLMAN bass
MIKAEL LÅNGBACKA bass trombone
TEEMU SALMINEN clarinet, flute, tenor saxophone
MARKUS KETOLA drums
RAOUL BJÖRKENHEIM electric guitar, gong, bass drum
OLLI OJAJÄRVI flute, tenor saxophone
IRO HAARLA piano, harp
JARI HONGISTO trombone
MIKKO MUSTONEN trombone
PEKKA LAUKKANEN trombone
JAN KOHLIN trumpet
MIKKO PETTINEN trumpet
TERO SAARTI trumpet
TIMO PAASONEN trumpet
All compositions by Raoul Björkenheim
Recorded April 24-25, 2006 at SoundTeam Godzinsky Studio, Kirkkonummi, Finland.
TUM Records – TUM CD 017 (Finland)