Unisono Quartet/Taivaantemppeli: Live In Studio 1973

Rating: ★★★

Record and Artist Details

Musicians:

Reino Laine (d)
Olli Ahvenlahti (ky)
Pekka Rechardt (g)
Upi Sorvali (d)
Baron Paakkunainen (s)
Make Lievonen (b)
Make Lievonen (b)
Matti Jakola (fl)
Olli Ahvenlahti (p, ky)
Nappi Ikonen (perc)

Label:

Svaart

July/2016

RecordDate:

1973

This is a curiosity in that so few recordings exist of Finnish bands of the era. Although dubbed as ‘fusion’, these are two very different sessions, despite overlapping personnel. The Unisono gig is essentially acoustic, kicking off with Ahvenlahti locked into an unremitting figure that almost strangles the whole number. But once liberated, as on the lush, romantic chords of ‘Specialist For’ he proves a romantic and accomplished pianist. His facility on the keys and evident lyricism counterpoints Paakkunainen's scratch and screech. Taivaantemppeli by contrast lay down a trio of long and loose-ish jams, coloured by flute and some rock-tinged guitar. Both sets say more about jazz rock of the era – ‘Totem Dance’ for instance could pass muster as a Nucleus run out – than they tell us of Finland and its music. But for students of how music migrates across cultures, these rare recordings are an intriguing insight.

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