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SOLJU

Odda Aigodat – New Times

(2018 – Bafe’s Factory – FINLAND)

http://bafesfactory.fi/solju/index.html

Solju is the mother/daughter duo of Ulla Pirttijärvi – vocals, yoik, and Hildá Länsman – vocals, yoik, along with members Samuli Laiho – programming, synths, guitar, piano, glockenspiel, and Teho Majamäki – percussion, vibes, hang drum. Also appearing on the release are guest artists Czech National Symphony Orchestra – strings, Paavo Lötjönen – cello, Mikko Neuvonen – throat singing, and Janne Puurtinen – synth bass, synthesizer.

 

Ulla and Hilda are from Utsjoki, Lapland (a nothern part of Finland). They are Sami musicians who are keeping their ancient native culture alive. The unique vocalizations are called yoik. There is also more common use of singing included among the songs. Solju mix modern ethno music with traditional spiritual Sami, for some of the most heavenly sounds a person could experience. ‘Odda Aigodat’ (translated to ‘New Times’) is their debut and for those not familiar with this type music, former references would be some of the albums put out by Northside Music (an American music label back in the 1990’s, that brought some otherwise unknown Scandinavian groups to the ears of much of North America), and brilliant hybrid folk acts such as Hedningarna (a mix of Swedish and Finnish musicians who also use a lot of yoik in their compositions), and Värttinä (a trio of women singers who sing mostly in the Karelian dialect of the Finnish language and are from the southeastern part of Finland). That said, this ‘New Times’ release is a supreme example of a grand mix of native and modern Sami music. It is important to note that Solju does not make techno ambient yoik music such as musicians like Wimmie (Wimmie Saari is also from Finland and perhaps more well known to the world music lovers).

Except for two traditional yoik songs, all the music is composed by either Ulla and Hilda, or just one of the two. The CD comes with a very nice triple fold out digipak with 16 page booklet (which has all the song lyrics in both Sami and English) and beautiful photos of some of the landscapes and mother/daughter. The production and recording are pristine. The opening (and title) track ‘Odda Aigobat’ is unreal in its beauty. To some it may sound like a divine blend of native American Indian and Asian folk, but soon the lucky listener will fall into the stargazing frame of mind, to absorb and truly appreciate this dreamtime music. Both the traditional tunes and the original compositions are breathtaking.

Parts of the music could be a Kate Bush yoik themed album, with their exotic, natural sounds, and electronically enhanced effects. Added are moments of throat singing (like tuvan throat singing), ethnic drums and percussion, with varied voices. This is an ancient treasure box of Sami music that has been given a fantasy fused modernization unlike anything yet heard by human ears. Solju describe their sound as ‘colorful, genuine, vivacious, atmospheric, and earthy’. I’d add otherworldy to that. From the many times the listener is lifted to higher plateaus, they are gently cushioned back down to earth. Just be ready to take a few journeys into other realms. Great realms! This release is a blessing. Everyone should thank Solju for keeping their native music alive and beyond. Listening to this is a magical and sacred experience.   VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Reviewed by Lee Henderson  8 – 19 – 2018

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ACQUA FRAGILE
Moving Fragments
(2023 - Maracash - Italy)


https://maracashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/moving-fragments


  A group who have the uncanny talent of keeping their classic  sound along with staying up tpo date. This amazing return is from 1970's Italian progressive rock outfit, with frontier man lead vocal Bernardo Lanzetti, who made this band and some PFM albums so specifically brilliant. At this decade, to expect more beauty would be a fantasy, yet it is set before your ears, even with the first notes, this masterpiece of Italian, (and not only Italian) progressive rock that certainly grasps the notion of what the genre of "progressive" was always meant to be. ACQUA FRAGILE create another sweetly classic knockout recording, not with even a heavy breath of past to present effort.  In fact, it sounds and feels more authentic than ever.  Bernardo sounds as if he never aged a week, and all muscians present are at full force, not passing up the chance to make another massively classic album.   An album to put Acqua Fragile at the top of the few chosen progressive rock choices of all time. The first song ('Her Shadlows Torture' 05:52 - editors note:  A misspell on the 'Shadows' which is on Bandcamp at this writing - but is correct as 'Her Shadow's Torture' on physical CD)  hug you and give all relief, as to any possible doubts of a long awaited fourth album by this top notch Italian band. I claim it will leave your heart lay bleeding. Grab the spectral energy and enjoy a glimpse of beautiful cocoon birth.

  Not one song is with sacrifice, even a wink of lamb. In fact, some elements are added to further enchance and stun the audience, such as inclusive female vocals by Rossella Volta. The bulk of the outfit is Piero Canavera (drums, percussion, vocals),  Franz Dondi (bass), Bernardo Lanzetti (lead vocals, guitar, Glovox),  Stefano Pantaleoni (keyboards),  Claudio Tuma (guitars), with special aid by (aforementioned vocalist Rosella Voita) ,  Gigi Cavalli Cocchi - drums (1,6),  Sergio Ponti - drums (4,9), Stef Burns- guitar (2),  Brian Belloni - guitar (4),  Davide Piombino - 7 string guitar (5),  and David Jackson - sax & flute (6). Could you ask for more?   After one listen you cannot want more. Thank Maracash label (Italy) for standing behind so many great Italian artists who have done the blood, sweat, and tears in earlier years, and deserve the attention now.
Although the band name translates to 'Fragile Water', it might be better described as Precious Water at this point and time in our decreasingly cared for world. Perhaps even better, Rare Water. The beauty of this entire recording is apparent, true, sincere, and a step forward. Better than one would dream of, past the point of how all old fans could imagine, and  actually done in the upper atmospheres of what anyone could have dreamed of. Everyone is top notch and most of all, Lanzetti is 100% present, making it another masterpiece.  It is my deep recommendartion for all fans of both classic progressive rock and the new fields of progressive music to give this a direct and full attention (no distractions) listen. RECOMMENDED.
  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 1 - 19 - 2024


 

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