Mostly finnish music

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lena
Date: 15 Jan 01 - 10:17 PM

Andy,Andy,you there?!Cause,given that this thread is back on the forum,I might tell you a fresh new story.Just in case you ever miss Oz or your friends from Katyusha. So.Last saturday Nigel(McLaughsomething I can't spell)came over to visit from Canberra.I wanted him to check out the session they have on sat nights in Newtown,so i brought him over and there we started talking to a musician sitting next to us.As Nigel was going on about finnish music,the musician asked him to play some of it(ehm...what about that story of the five-per-cent?!)on the whistle.The conversation went on and the musician finally asked Nigel:so,are you Finnish?!(red hair and freckles,definitely a finnish look).And Nigle,out of the blue,firmly answered:yes!.
Ok,I thought,he's probably having fun making up stories,but then the conversation switched to australian music and the supposed-finnish claimed solid roots in bush music,sort of:"Oh,yes,I had to grow up with it,my first band was called the possums something"(can't remember.)
We went home and I told him plainly:look,next time you tell stories,at least stick to them!Isn't it a little bit broadminded of a finnish guy to be interested in bush music?!And what about your accent?!And where do you come from?!
As a matter of fact,Nigel had no recollection of being asked if he was Finnish.Indeed,he thought he was answering 'yes' to a completely different question.So great,now what were we supposed to do with that fellow who still believed him to be finnish?!We started a story. The story is,that these two finnish parents died on a plane crash (heading to Australia)and Nigel survived(great,Nigel.How comes you survived?!)and after that was brought up from an aussie-aussie family,fed with bush music and irish reels,and because of the trauma he forgot the language.And of course playing finnish stuff with Katyusha is part of his terapy to recover his finnish heritage.
Andy,have you got some suggestions for a better story?!I would have poster this as a private message but you keep on guesting!!!Hope it made you laugh,especially if you can think about the character involved.All the best,anyway.Lena

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 15 Jan 01 - 04:17 PM

Nope, Deckman. But we sort of moved the thread over to Scandinavian Music. This one was too long. So, like, everyone post THERE. ;)

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Deckman
Date: 15 Jan 01 - 04:13 PM

Does anyone out there know the song "Joukse Sina Humma"?

It's a song from my youth. I only remember the first verse and chorus. I'd love to get the rest of the verses Kittos. Bob Nelson, Everettessa, Wa. USA

cho: Hummani Hei, Hummani Hei, Hupututu, Hummani Hei.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 15 Jan 01 - 03:24 PM

Hmm, might be a good thing to direct you here, where Peg started a continuation of this thread. And then no-one will check this thread for another month, I suppose. ;)

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 15 Jan 01 - 11:05 AM

Well, I went to the Frifot show on Friday, and they were great, of course. Good seats and all that, too. While there, I bought a ticket to next month's Gjallarhorn show. I hear (on this thread and elsewhere) that they're also good. Anyone else heard them?

And Jed, that does sound like a great show. :)

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: JedMarum
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 08:20 AM

Lepus Rex - I missed your question re: Risto Jarvenpaa. Risto did a children show. He played Finnish folk music. The kids really responded - sining and dancing along with him. The piper played penny whistle and Uilleann Pipes. It was a great show.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Margaret V
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 07:55 AM

That IS a bummer. Maybe I'll have to go visit my friends in Philadelphia that weekend.... thanks for the heads-up, Lepus. Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 20 Dec 00 - 06:57 AM

Just though I'd mention that Frifot will be touring the US in January, starting in Philadelphia on the 6th. More info at NorthSide. Ah, but if Margaret reads this, just noticed this bummer: the NY show isn't open to the public. Bah.

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 12 Nov 00 - 05:18 AM

Eww, Swedish music with palm trees? They should have done a church, like they did up here. I hope they come back soon... Ah, and glad you made it back ok, Margaret. :)

By the way, Frifot is touring in the USA next spring...

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Margaret V
Date: 10 Nov 00 - 11:34 PM

Well, I dragged my jet-lagged self down to NYC to hear Garmarna on Wednesday night. I'd have to say I'd rather have seen them at the Decorah Elks. They were good, but the venue (the Winter Garden, basically at the foot of the World Trade Center) wasn't at all good for them. It's a cavernous atrium complete with palm trees, and there are shops and restaurants along the sides, so people are coming and going constantly and there's a lot of background noise to contend with, as well as the echo... they seemed to be struggling at times to hear one another. It was better when they were doing the noisy, way-cool stuff and rocking out than when they were trying to play the more sparse stuff. Emma Hardelin certainly sang beautifully; the weird acoustics meant that the upper range of her voice came through better than the lower. So, it was fun to see them in action and the material was beautiful, but I hope I have another chance to see them. Also, they only played for an hour; considering my journey was two hours in each direction, that seemed a bit scant, but hey, it was free.... Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 06 Nov 00 - 05:17 PM

No, I seriously meant that they were lucky. I wish I could have went... :)

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,Margaret V in |Dublin
Date: 06 Nov 00 - 12:09 PM

Hey, Lepus, I had to give a lecture at the Norwegian American museum in Decorah once, and I LIKED the town. Still, the Elks Club, I see what you're getting at... Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 05 Nov 00 - 01:13 PM

Jed, what's Risto Jarvenpaa (Järvenpää?) like? And what kind of piper's he got???

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 05 Nov 00 - 01:08 PM

Cool, Margaret. Hope you can make it to that concert. And they'll probably play some regular Garmarna stuff for an encore, if you all clap and stomp loud enough. They came back out for us and announced that they had just played all their H von B material and had nothing left, so they played 'Vittrad,' which was great. :)

The guys I was sitting next to were also going down the the Decorah show, lucky bastards... At the Elk's Lodge, heh.

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: JedMarum
Date: 04 Nov 00 - 04:39 PM

We just did a show today with Risto Jarvenpaa. Eammon (himself) played bodrhan and I ran sound. Risto had his piper Marcus with him, and the three of them did a great show at little church hall for about 150 people. I didn't understand much, but the music was great! Risto did mainly a kids show and had excellent enhthusiasm and participation.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Nov 00 - 02:56 PM

Hey, Lepus, I read it, even when I'm in Dublin, which I am (what a loser, you're thinking; she's in DUBLIN, what the hell is she doing in an internet cafe?! Well, you know, it's that funny two hours between dinner and when the music starts...) I'm still hoping I'll have the energy to see Garmarna in New York, even though it's the day after I get back from here. Thanks for the review, a good nudge to get me down to the city on the 8th. Bye! Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 04 Nov 00 - 12:20 AM

Just got back from my second Garmarna concert in two days. Both great shows, too. Last night's was at the Cedar Cultural Centre in Mpls. Tonight's was at St.Clement's Church in StPaul, and they did their Hildegard von Bingen stuff. Emma Härdelin sang beautifully, as always. Rickard Westman wasn't on this tour, and they had an English guy who's name I've already forgotten standing in for him. They're going to Chicago next, and then to Decorah, Seattle, NY, and Delaware. So if you're near any of those places, trust me and buy a ticket. Oh, who even reads this old thread besides the people who've always read it? Go to my last message and click on NorthSide, and check it out if you have no idea who Garmarna is or why I love them. :)

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 02 Oct 00 - 06:41 PM

Peg, I checked NorthSide and it looks like this tours over, unfortunately. Maybe email someone at NorthSide and see if they know when they'll be back---They're very helpful there.

Hmmm... Godforsaken Minnesota? Maybe that's why these heathens keep coming back? ;)

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Peg
Date: 02 Oct 00 - 04:24 PM

so do you know if Hedningarna is on tour? any idea if they are playing anywhere in the Northeast?(as opposed to godforsaken Minnesota?) :) teasing, I am jealous you get so much great Scandinavian music there...

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 30 Sep 00 - 08:36 AM

Wimme was excellent, too. Had great seats again (two hours early again). The show seemed kind of short, though. Wimme's joiking was beautiful, and he told some interesting and funny stories about his family and childhood between songs. The music was great, too. The guy sitting next to me came all the way from Utah for the Wimme and Hedningarna shows, which was pretty damned cool. Again, pawn your kids! :)

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 29 Sep 00 - 05:03 PM

I'm getting ready to see Wimme Saari tonight. Saw Hedningarna last night, and they kicked ass. First time I've seen them with Magnus Stinnerbom (from Harv) and Liisa Matveinen in the band, and they were great. Anyone who hasn't seen Hedningarna live, make a pilgrimage to their next concert. Pawn your organs. Sell your children into indentured servitude. Rob a bank. Or maybe not. But it's a great show:)

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: The Half Fiddler
Date: 29 Sep 00 - 08:19 AM

I like Finnish music. I has been in Kaustinen last year, to play for the festival and my finnish friend show me many finnish band, but I don't remember the names. I have a particular interessa about north europe especially scandinavia. I have seen some islandic and scandinavian mudcatter. Do you like write some folk groups of your country ?

Ciao Vincenzo

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: CarolC
Date: 28 Sep 00 - 01:23 PM

Thanks Andy. The world of Finnish music is a beautiful one indeed!

Thanks again, jets.

Best Wishes,

Carol

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: jets
Date: 28 Sep 00 - 09:33 AM

Another recording of Finnish music that I would recomend is ," Saturday Night Sauna" by the Crumtown Ramblers from The finger lake region of New York. Richard Korski plays the 2 row with this band. The tape is available from the Button Box ,Amherst Mass.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,andy mööer
Date: 28 Sep 00 - 06:34 AM

thanks peg for the short spiel on Triakel,I'll have To get myself a listen. CarolC!,I'm a mandolin player so I'm not really licenced to give you accordian tips ,HOWEVER! I got a lot of my Finnish tunes from a cds by Ottopasuuna (they have 2 albums,the first has more trad stuff).Of all the finnish recordings I have ,Ottopasuunas stuff is the easiest to learn ,cos the arrangements are very uncluttered and the tunes are'nt too quick. well worth a listen if you can.Also their cds are easy to get,you could try the Arctic Paradise homepage If you have trouble elsewhere. And welcome to the beautiful world of finnish music!!!!! Andy.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: CarolC
Date: 27 Sep 00 - 09:05 PM

Thanks, jets. Will do.

Carol

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: jets
Date: 27 Sep 00 - 09:57 AM

vumeinen Valssie or The Last waltz is one of the tunes that my band plays.It is in Am.Another in Am is Sillalailla Tallalilla or This way ,That way. These and other like songs are on the Koski tape. Email me @ [e-mail] for puchasing details. Another that we do that I am sure that you would like ,as we do, is The flowers of the forest in Em I am told that it is actualy a Swedish piece

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: CarolC
Date: 27 Sep 00 - 12:04 AM

Thanks jets.

Do you know how easy or difficult it is to obtain a copy of this recording?

Also, the pieces that I like the best so far, are Metsakukkia, and Viimeinen Valssi. Can you recommend any other pieces with a similar sound?

Carol

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: jets
Date: 26 Sep 00 - 07:39 PM

Carol: A great source for Finnish music played solo on a Honner c/g accordion is by Richard Koski. Richard sat down and recorded 52 old songs that he had learned from his father.He did so for he felt that these old songs were being forgoten and lost.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: CarolC
Date: 26 Sep 00 - 02:24 PM

Thanks, Margaret.

Carol

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Margaret V
Date: 26 Sep 00 - 12:15 PM

Carol, you might want to try a message to jets (see his posts above), as he plays accordion in a trad. Finnish band. Best, Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 25 Sep 00 - 10:12 PM

Peg, they'll be in NYC on Nov. 8th at the WFC Winter Garden. It says they'll be adding more dates at NorthSide. They'll be here, in Minneapolis, TWICE thistour. (Nyaaaah-nyaaaah!) :)

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Peg
Date: 25 Sep 00 - 11:44 AM

Triakel is a more traditional band that Emma Hardelin also sings with (she of Garmarna); when are Garmarna playing NYC? We are hoping to get them back in Boston this fall!

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: CarolC
Date: 25 Sep 00 - 09:31 AM

Guest, Andy (can't do your last name, sorry),

I haven't heard much Finnish music performed by others, but I am learning how to play the accordion, and some of my favorite pieces that I'm learning to play are traditional Finnish waltzes.

Do you play traditional Finnish music yourself? If so, do you have any helpful advice for a beginner like myself?

Best regards,

Carol

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,andy mööer
Date: 25 Sep 00 - 08:22 AM

who's Triakel?

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 22 Sep 00 - 03:32 AM

I'd rather hear the loud stuff, too. The last time they played their Hildegard stuff here, I got a little bored. But Garmarna's still one of my favourite bands, so I'll be there:)

I hope Triakel comes through town this year, too...

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Margaret V
Date: 21 Sep 00 - 11:00 PM

That would be lucky, too, Lepus! Despite (or perhaps because of) the fact that I am an erstwhile medievalist, I'd much rather hear the loud stuff than the Hildegard stuff.... Anyway, nothing's REALLY free in NYC; by the time you get there, ride a subway, and drink some water you've spent fifty bucks! Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 21 Sep 00 - 02:20 PM

Free?! AND you get to go to Ireland. Lucky... :) I'm going to try and see Garmarna twice, once with their regular, loud show, and once with the Hildegard von Bingen stuff.

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Margaret V
Date: 21 Sep 00 - 01:05 PM

Thanks for the link, rabbit. Looks like I could go see Garmarna for free in New York City, the day after I get back from Ireland. Enjoy the shows! Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 21 Sep 00 - 11:22 AM

Andy, at the Cedar Cultural Centre in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Sorry, Andy, not your neighborhood, eh? I just got my ticket confirmation this morning, so I'm happy:) They've got US tour dates at NorthSide.
Garmarna's coming up, too...
---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,Andy mööööööööööööööer
Date: 21 Sep 00 - 08:55 AM

pwww ,Wimme AND Hedningarna!!!,I'm jelous. What a lucky duck you are!,where is it that they're playing?.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 04:38 PM

Wow, this thread's back? Swell. Welcome 'back', andy. Holland, grr... Gelderland kicks either Hollands' ASS! ;)

Wimme and Hedningarna are playing here this month... Gotta get some tickets...

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,andy mööer
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 07:11 AM

Umm looks like I have'nt said enough yet. Lena,no I wont be at the 2001 national the next time I go back to Australia might be late this year,to visit my parents and that does'nt really coincide with the nat a.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,andy mööer
Date: 11 Sep 00 - 07:06 AM

Well! now I'm back home again,From 3 weeks in Holland with my girlfriend,funny I come back to Austria and Its the first bit of sunshine and heat(I've had) for 21 days But the lowlands are'nt really famous for the sunshine. so hello again,and Hello Lena! yes I think I remember seeing Martin carthy that year,but sometimes the 5 nationals form one big conglomerate festival in my mind,(with a bit of Woodford,Cobargo and Majors creek thrown in).You know....I was wondering why 'Mr Malaska' was ringing enormous bells in my head,must've been too loud to extract any sence from it.What does that 'shop -Martin carthy,Linsay' (at the top of your message) thing mean?? .And do you live in Canberra? I did ,for 8 years the band I was in is now called 'Katushya',you might have wandered in their direction at the last national Probably only 5 percent of their stuff is Finnish(if that). In Amsterdam I bought a dubious-looking cd called 'the rough guide to Scandinavia,I dont usually go in for that sort of thing ,but it was one of those rare times where i had money to waste.Asit turned out it was'nt a waste there were some good things that I had'nt heard before like FRIFOT .and other swedish and Norweigan bands. I've said enough for today ,bis spater ,Andy.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lena
Date: 12 Aug 00 - 05:33 AM

ANDY!!!!!ANDY MOER

At the National,this year...I was told they're the two players who came here years ago together with two dancers.

Lindsay wasn't there this year,alas...He's usually more likely to be found at Woodford.I know which National you went to...I wasn't there but was told about it.Martin Carthy was there as well,he?!

Are you going to perform here again next year?!Did you apply for 2001 National?!We REALLY need more finnish music down here....let me know please

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 12 Aug 00 - 04:14 AM

And, looking around on the Finnish section at Digelius, because I'm bored, I found: A band called 'Tango Kings;' compilations called 'Finnischer Tango' and 'Suuret Suomalaiset Tangot;' and more. And JPP, like I mentioned before... If you care, go look;)

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 12 Aug 00 - 04:07 AM

Ah, Shambles and Andy: JPP put out an album called 'I've Found a New Tango' a few years back, if you can find it. And they've got tangos here and there on their other albums, too.

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 12 Aug 00 - 02:41 AM

Sure, Margaret... Nordan Project has released two (that I know of) albums, 'Nordan' and 'Agram' on ECM. The cds are actually labelled 'Lena Willemark/Ale Möller', but they're only two of the members, so that seems kind of unfair...

They play mostly old Swedish ballads and folk songs, but in a less 'folky,' more jazzy way than Frifot. Their albums are probably at your local record shop, but they can be hard to find: I've seen them in the 'folk' section, sometimes in 'jazz', sometimes in 'international'... One time I saw them sitting in 'easy listening.'

But if you like Frifot, I'd really recommend them:)

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Margaret V
Date: 12 Aug 00 - 01:20 AM

Well, if you say please he might. Can you tell us a little more about the Nordan Project? I like Frifot very much and would be interested in their other work. It may never be too late for bagpipes, but it IS too late for me to still be up playing on Mudcat... Goodnight, Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 12 Aug 00 - 01:05 AM

Hmmm, Margaret...That all depends: Do you think Per Gudmundson would fly in from Sweden for me tonight? And it's NEVER too late for bagpipes;)

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Margaret V
Date: 12 Aug 00 - 01:00 AM

Sorry, Lepus, is it too late at night to listen to the Swedish bagpipes, or do you mean you want to hear them live?! Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 12 Aug 00 - 12:53 AM

I like Frifot! Surprise, surprise, eh?

Lena Willemark, Ale Möller, and Per Gudmundson are also all in the Nordan Project, which is really good, too.

Last time they (Frifot) played here, Ale Möller and Aly Bain played before Frifot came on, which rocked.

---Lepus Rex, who now wants to listen to Swedish bagpipes, dammit...

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Margaret V
Date: 12 Aug 00 - 12:23 AM

Hey, Andy, sorry your work is dragging you around to places you don't want to go. What are you doing over there without your Finnish music anyway?! And how do people like Frifot? Best, Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,andy (moocow)mööer
Date: 11 Aug 00 - 06:58 AM

hei!!............pheeew ,I'm back from horrible-working in Salzburg,But must leave Innsbruck again (Salzburg bound) on Tuesday..................Margaret, that turntable news is great,when things happen I'll record the only finnish cd I have here in Austria(my cds are at home). The shambles,The tango IS definitely part of the finnish tradition ,but I've only heard a couple(finnish ones ,that is).I suppose since I'm completely obsessed with the Soumi sound I may as well peek into the Tango side of things. And......Garmana ,........they're pretty great. a lot of swedish music seems to have that same dark sound as the finnish.................................................................lots of dots,Andy

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Margaret V
Date: 04 Aug 00 - 10:02 PM

Hey, Jets, just wanted to say good luck and have fun at the festival this weekend! I wish I were a little closer to Maine so that I could hear the band play, but keep us posted on other opportunities. Andy, my friend has just repaired her turntable so now I must lend her my cassette deck and before you know it we should be able to make tapes from vinyl. Hooray! Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Margaret V
Date: 22 Jul 00 - 12:09 PM

Jets, interesting perspective on the guitar players' chord-changing difficulty. I think Sorcha plays fiddle; any ideas on what might be giving her trouble? (As an aside, I just opened up my brand new copy of Hedningarna's "Kaksi;" a very fun way to spend a Saturday especially when I should really be cleaning the house...) Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: jets
Date: 22 Jul 00 - 10:45 AM

Let me say that, although Finnish music sounds very simple, I find that guitar players have a very hard time with it.As one guitar player explained,you expect the cord is going to change but it does not.But often when it does ,it does so only briefly. I seldom play at sessions for the guitar players are at a loss.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 22 Jul 00 - 09:32 AM

¥ëâh, Ï kñøw whㆠÿ¤ü mèªñ¸¸¸

———Lëpµ§ ®£×

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Margaret V
Date: 22 Jul 00 - 09:09 AM

Except when they're on top of letters instead of alongside notes. . .! Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Sorcha
Date: 22 Jul 00 - 12:09 AM

Well, I have sheet music for Fins Jenta and Pols, and maybe a couple more, but I can't play any of them. Can't figure out why, either..........dots is dots, right?

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 21 Jul 00 - 10:02 PM

Peg, I hope you're right about Nordic music not getting cheesy and new-agey.

I went to my first Garmarna show... Geez, six years ago maybe? The night before that show, they played at First Avenue in Minneapolis (a show I missed) and I'm told there were maybe a dozen people there. Now their shows are packed (until some of people who weren't aware that this concert would be LOUD start trickling out early). Even though it means I have a harder time getting good seats, it's good to see so many people liking something so great.

And let me once again push the Nordic Roots Festival in Minneapolis down your throats. If anyone lives in the area, or will be in town that week (April 19-22, 2001), or is willing or able to travel up here, it's the greatest. Just don't kick me too hard when trying to grab the front seats.

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: The Shambles
Date: 21 Jul 00 - 02:31 PM

I think it was last year. I went to the Barbican in London, where they had a whole afternoon devoted to Finnish music. It just never seemed to finnish (sorry).

No it was a very enjoyable day. The music was interesting and very varied. The singing was certainly distinctive. I unfortunately cannot remember any of the names but there was a group of fiddle players and a group with a chap playing bass sax.

I leant that the tango was very popular in Finland….. Is that so?

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Peg
Date: 21 Jul 00 - 02:29 PM

Just got to see Swedish band Garmarna twice this week in Boston; I tell ya, I think Scandinavian music is the next big thing, the next "Celtic" of popular world music, if you will...but I think there is apurity to it that will disallow some of the cheesy, new agey stuff that purported to be "Celtic"...

mark my words...these bands and others will be red-hot in another year...

peg

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,fish
Date: 21 Jul 00 - 07:14 AM

böö!

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,Andy mööer
Date: 19 Jul 00 - 07:53 AM

Lena-, I have heard of 'Mr Malaska',I think I must've seen their name in the 'Arctic Paradise'cattledog . by the way(side),which national did they play at?, I've been to about 5 of them,alas not the last one(due to my physical presence in Austria).Anyway the last(and indeed only)finnish music I've seen at the national was my Introduction to the stuff ,and it was 2 members of Pirnales playing accompanyment to finnish dancing ,and one concert. Please say....,,Who played at the last national? I'll hazzard a bet that Christina Olsen was there(again) also , was Linsay Pollack there? anyways If you should wander back to this thread you can tell me ,bye Ändymööer. Oh and Jets can you let me know when you have a cd that is purchaseable by me? Möi.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: jets
Date: 18 Jul 00 - 11:27 AM

Andy: Raaticoon does not have a comercial CD only a self recorded one that has quite a few errors,but useful for demo.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lena
Date: 18 Jul 00 - 08:45 AM

Looks like none of you has heard of a duo called"Mr Malaska".Damn it,I wish I knew how to spread audio stuff throug the net...They were down in Australia at the last National Folk Festival,and had some workshops(that's how I got my three or four scores). What's very particular is that they play in a soundtrack-like style,focusing a lot on the dynamics-crescendos,pianissimo,and so on. However. For as much as I've heard: Finnish music sounds vaguely alien to me,but I can't help admiring(if you can'admire'a music)it.It's intense,naked,architectural,almost Bach-like.Dances are not as dance-like,happy melodies are not that happy.I love it because it's deep and contemplative.Depth can be missed in dance music but not in finnish. To end the speech,finnish music is also incredibly pretty. Lena

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,andy Mööer
Date: 18 Jul 00 - 07:41 AM

Jets : again,does Raticoon have a cd? wish I could be at that festy ,too far from central Europe though. bye ,Andy

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: jets
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 05:12 PM

For those who have an interest in Finnish music and happen to be in Maine on August 5th ,please consider going to the Festival de Joie In Lewiston where Raaticoon will be playing a 45min set of Finnish music. We will be appearing on stage #3 @ 1:00 PM This festival is really a 3day music affair with the core interest being French Canadian music and food{cultur}. sever years ago they expanded it to include music of the other ethnic people of Maine .Raaticoon will be making it's 3rd appearance this year presenting the music of the Finnish people who were early setlers of the state.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,skarpi at work
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 08:36 AM

Hallo , Margaret I will find out about some other records, I think theres a cd that I saw in a store a wile ago. All the best skarpi Iceland.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,andy mööer
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 07:44 AM

hi Skarpi! ,Just have to emphasise that last question from Margaret ,cos I'd like to know tooooo. Oh and my last message just said hi in Finnish then- in deutsch- 'moo from a cow'.I was refreshing without just 'refreshing',It refreshed but was'nt very refreshing. my god what am I talking about????. bye,till the next Finnish refreshment,Andy.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Margaret V
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 06:49 AM

Thanks, skarpi! Do any of her records still circulate in Iceland that you know of? Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,skarpi at work
Date: 11 Jul 00 - 04:00 AM

hallo all, Margret you asked about Anna Þórhallsdóttir if I remember correctly she sang the tunes with a piano player, I saw a tv show about her and icelandic tradional music. In the old days the people didint got an insrtument to play so many of just sang the music and one of song is called Rímur . Does she sing it the right way yes she does that and she do it well. If you need any more info please let me know. All the best skarpi Iceland.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Margaret V
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 10:40 PM

Hey, maybe we could ask skarpi about Anna Thorhallsdottir. Lucky Lepus, to live in Minneapolis where so many great Scandinavian bands tour; Rosenberg 7 played in NYC a while back but I missed them. And when I lived in Wisconsin I never had one minute of free time. . . Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 06:05 PM

Huh, Andy? Something about a cow?

Ooh, looks like Hedningarna and Wimme are coming to town(Minneapolis) this fall...

Oh, and no, I don't mind 'rabbit,' Margaret. :)

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,andy mööer
Date: 10 Jul 00 - 07:03 AM

moi! möö von eine kuh

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,andy mööer
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 10:36 AM

Well I tried to connect to Ethnologue ,but the computer just whistled casually and smugly said "not today andy" so I've arranged a high noon showdown for 3pm monday. (smirk vanishes from computer). I have a turntable in Australia ,it's a 6month walk from Innsbruck though. I wish you luck on your quest ....... and Thank youuu merry vuch.sorry,but I do like those spoonerisms. Lepus Rex-you're a hive of linguistic knowledge,Impressive but there are bees everywhere .Hei,Andy

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Margaret V
Date: 06 Jul 00 - 06:14 PM

Rabbit (or shouldn't I call you that?), thank you so much for leading us to Ethnologue; what a great reference source! Andy, let the turntable quest begin. Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 06 Jul 00 - 01:30 PM

Ooh, more irrelevant stuff from me, muahaha. The Ethnologue lists all the Uralic (and pretty much all the other) languages. Now I don't feel badfor not typing all of them out.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 06 Jul 00 - 01:24 PM

Andy... Yup, about Estonian, but I wasn't about to type out ALL the Finnic and Samoyedic languges. I'd have to dig out a book for those, hehe. Ugric is easy to remember---only three languages.

And also,while I'm babbling about Uralic things, has anyone ever seen the book "The Great Bear:A Thematic Anthology of Oral Poetry in the Finno-Ugrian Languages (edited by Honko, Timonen, Branch, Bosley)"? I've got a copy in storage, it's really an excellent book. The book's name describes it pretty well: Oral folk poetry from all the Finnic and Ugric peoples, more or less, written in the original language and in English translation...

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,andy mööer
Date: 06 Jul 00 - 08:58 AM

....Also..Estonian is a Finno-Ugric language. Hmmm... Andrew cronshaw....,sounds like something else I have to get (the recording ,not him). Kantele truly has an enchanting sound,thought I'd mention that I'm also a fan. ..Margret v: Well its just that I happen to think that grated cheese is very nice(and so versatile) And GREATED CHEESE is as the spelling suggests,great. A bit of a conceptual leap, I suppose,I guess what I was trying to say was that digelius is a Great shop...phew!. Alsö if you manage to track down a turntable I would happily ,if not gleefully send you a blank tape ,or postage costs,or just a tape of Ottopasuuna,In exchange for a Thorhallsdottir recording. But I know turntables can be elusive creatures in these times. moi ,andy

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,Ewan McVicar
Date: 06 Jul 00 - 05:01 AM

King Lep, I played autoharp etc in the group [assembled for the tour and yclept Glasgow Green] that toured, so I got given an album of kantele music by a dance group we got friendly with.

I suffer from some brain disorder which means I cannot play the same set of notes twice in a row, so I'm an accompanist rather than a precision or melody player, and the harp and all its relatives defeat me hands down - or is it hands up?

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 11:50 PM

Sam, you're lucky! And you're right, Chateau Neuf Spelemannslag rocks:) Never was a big fan 'til I saw them in concert (same feelings I had towards Väsen before I saw them perform), but now they're one of my favourites.
And Ewan, do you play kantele? A good friend of mine plays 5-string kantele---beautiful sounding instrument.

Well, that's enough hogging the damned thread, hehe---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 11:41 PM

Ob Ugrian languages are a part of the Ugric branch of the Finno-Ugric sub-family of the Uralic language family. Ob Ugric languages are spoken by the Khanty and Mansi, peoples of Russia which, as the name suggests, are located near the Ob river, east of the Urals. These two languages, along with Hungarian, are the three Ugric languages. Now ya know, hehe.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Margaret V
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 06:11 PM

Thanks, Ewan, that's a lot more than I knew! Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,Ewan McVicar
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 04:57 PM

Margaret

I copied it off the record notes.

It is apparently a language from Siberia! I know no more.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Margaret V
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 02:09 PM

Ewan, this sounds really interesting, thank you for the info. I am a little embarrassed to say I don't know what Ob-Ugrian refers to. Can you explain? Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,Ewan McVicar
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 11:53 AM

Here are details of the Andrew Cronshaw album. It is temendously atmospheric and eerie.

Title - On the Shoulders of the Great Bear Twelve Finno-Ugrian tunes, one Ob-Ugrian, three Scots Gaelic. Played on all kinds of things - maroventele, wind-wand, gong, soprano sax, voice, double bass, zither, bass clarinet, whistle, concertina, marovany, shawm, gut-strung 5-string kantele - and that's only the first three tracks. Recorded in Finland with Finnish musicians.

Cloud Valley CV 2007 http://members.aol.com/cloudval/

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,Ewan McVicar
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 05:30 AM

This thread brought back very warm memories of a band tour of Finland in February 1979, based on Jyvaskula's Winter Festival. Apart from the startling singing voices and fine fiddling, my favourite discovery was the kantele, the small lap harp used to accompany song. Just the other week I bought a magical celebration of such music which was recorded / created by Andew Cronshaw. Now, where are those tapes that Markku the fiddler sent me in 1980? One of them has the tune The Karelian Polka, which is the same tune used by the Carter Family for Dixie Darling!

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,Sam Pirt
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 04:54 AM

FINNISH MUSIC ROCKS

Maria Kalenimi, Kimmo, JPP, TROCKA, Gjillarhorn, Wimme EXCELLENT!!!! I'm Of to the Ethno & Falun Folk Fest is sweden today and cant wait to see some folks there.

What about Chateau Neuf Spiellmenslag (there norwegen buit they ROCK!!!!!)

Cheers, Sam

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Margaret V
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 11:33 PM

And I want to know how to become "the greated (grated?) cheese" of anything!?! I can see from the Digelius website, though, why one would wish for plenty of money before entering their store! The Thorhallsdottir album was released on Lyrichord many years ago. I checked their website and it doesn't appear in their catalog, so I guess it's not available anymore. If I can find someone with a turntable I'd be happy to make a tape of it--I haven't been able to listen to it in several years since I don't have a turntable myself at present. Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: john c
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 04:36 PM

Ever heard Värttina? First album is magic!
J

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,andy mööer
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 08:44 AM

That Icelandic music (by your description) is something I want to listen to ,might hunt for a recording. I want to know "how does a bottle play a stool,an accordian and a man ,at the same time???....",perplexing. lepus REX...digelius music is really the grreated cheese of places, went to their shop in Helsinki,it whelmed me over.the sad thing is that I had little money at the time I would have löved to have bought a billion Scandanavian and Macedonian cd's.And I'm not finnish but an Australian living in Austria ,the whole thing confuses me perpetually Margret v- yes Angelyn Tytöt have about four recordings that I know of -you can find them at the Digelius music site. And .....Jet does your band have it's sounds on plastic?

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: AKS
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 07:56 AM

Jets, man, your band - 'specially the one that did Monson - seems to be a relative of the earlier in the 40s - 60s) so common type of Finnish dance quartet: a man, an accordion, a stool and a bottle (or trio if the stool was left out).

That Digelius site given by Lepus Rex IS worth visiting, at least their Finnish selection seems to me quite comprehensive, as much as folk music is concerned.

AKS

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 05:40 AM

Hello... Margaret talking about Icelandic music reminded me of a cool site about folk music of Northern California in the 1940s . It's got Finnish and Icelandic (and Croatian and 'Anglo' and Armenian, etc.) songs you can listen to in Real audio or .wav, plus lots of old pictures of the performers and their instruments.

Also, a good place to find pretty much any Scandinavian/Finnish/Icelandic/Balitc etc. cds is Digelius Music in Finland (Andy, are you Finnish?). Though they don't have any Anna Thorhallsdottir, who I'd now like to hear.
Anyways, I hope someone finds that useful

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Margaret V
Date: 03 Jul 00 - 11:43 AM

Wow, jets, that sounds like fun! Are you guys based in Maine? Lots of slate in Monson, yes? Are the quarries still active there? Andy, do you know if Angelyn Tytot (sorry, don't know how to make an umlaut appear on the computer) has a CD? Sounds interesting. Beer-talk yoik. . . very funny! And funny what sticks in our minds. May I depart from Finland for a moment and ask if anyone has ever heard this old recording of Anna Thorhallsdottir singing Icelandic folk songs? The songs are incredible; stark, eerie, sometimes incredibly short and simple, with the "plot" delivered in a distilled four sentences or so. . . I think she was a classical singer, and the recording was made when she was older, so I don't know if the warbling quality of her voice is typical of the traditional performance of Icelandic folk or not. Anyone??? Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: jets
Date: 03 Jul 00 - 10:27 AM

The band raaticoon consits of myself on the 2 row c-g button box ,a mandolin,and a guitar.And I also beat the bass drum with a kick peadel. So it could be said that we are a 4piece band. We play for festivals ,weddings and dances.A month ago I played solo for the dance put on by the Finnish Farmers club in Monson Maine. It was just me and the bass drum.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,andy mööer
Date: 03 Jul 00 - 06:04 AM

hei jets! (and everyone else) Margret V put a question to you, about your arrangements,instruments,where you are based etc. AND I WANT TO KNOW THESE THINGS TOO!. So now the pressure's on ,feel the heat and ÄNSWER!! (please).Has anyone heard Angelyn Tytöt?? ----More kinda experimental yoiking (not quite as electronic as Wimme,though).I saw them in Tampere for Lappland national day (feb 6).T'was a nice evening,although at the next table was an english woman and an american guy, who spent the night comparing finnish beer prices of Fin/usa/Eng. It was a funny conversation ,so the memory of that night is like some sort of beer-talk yoik,a Boik perhaps,or a yeer,I dont know. Suggestions are welcome(he says...,leaving himself wide open).............moi ,Andy

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,Markus
Date: 01 Jul 00 - 08:22 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Jun 00 - 01:15 PM

OOOHHH Finnish!!! I thought this was the fishing thread. Refresh SS

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: john c
Date: 29 Jun 00 - 12:54 PM

Austria will cost ya
But Helsinki is kinky
Cheers
J.

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: kendall
Date: 29 Jun 00 - 10:50 AM

Even I like their music..that should tell you something!!

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,andy mööer
Date: 29 Jun 00 - 09:50 AM

Thhhaaaaaank you! (did i use too many a's and h's?) I almost lost hope after my first attempt at the finnish question. I was feeling a bit sorry for myself and saturated in my finnish world .So good to read all your messages.........(whistle and whoops of glee!!) my favourite band is Ottopasüüna ,beautiful tunes and not so difficult to learn(no fast ears on my head) BUT!!!how can i name a favourite when 'Pirnales'are every bit as inspiring as Ottopasüüna. I löve the full,smooth sound of pirnales.I'm getting a bit overwhelmed just thinking about them.Umm..Troka and gyalahorn(spelling?)are also a really good bands. AND,for anyone who has'nt had the good fortune to have a Finnish exposure, some descriptive words that come to mind are: sad,unpredictable and mabye enigmatic. Does that sound a bit wanky? I hope I did'nt put anyone off. Oh yeah ,I agree that Värttina are good (esp their tunes) ,but i've only heard a bit of wimme,what I heard was great AndÄndÄnd JPP have a lot of very nice music.... Thanks to everyone for replying i'll be back tommorow to dispense some more of my windy finnish guff(stuff) . Öh and i'd löve to hear what raaticoon sound like. moi moi,Andy

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: AKS
Date: 29 Jun 00 - 08:17 AM

Hei kaikki!

Ebbie, the Finnish folk music does not differ that much from the rest of the European fm if topics of the lyrics are concerned, perhaps it is not as patriotic and warlike as some are.

Jets, you're both right and wrong; one t but, instead of c (which is used in loan words only), two k's: Raatikkoon, meaning literally 'into Raatikko' that -except being a name of a set dance- is a special place where the old maids were supposed to be taken. Whether that place exists somewhere else than in the song "Raatikkoon, raatikkoon vanhat piiat joutaa" (sorry that's all I remember of it right now), I don't know:).

AKS

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 28 Jun 00 - 11:17 PM

Grr, that last one was from me. Damned cookie:P

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jun 00 - 11:16 PM

Yeah, Wimme... I saw him... in 1999. Horrible seats, but one of the best shows I saw that entire year. He did some truly amazing things with his voice. Probably the strangest sounds I've ever heard come from a human. But I could hardly see the stage:(

Another great show I went to was Kimmo Pohjonen, an accordion player from Finland. Besides his accordion, he had about a dozen different pedals and buttons on the floor in front of him, and his feet were constantly moving around, pushing these pedals. He'd sample his voice, his accordion, or the sound of him tapping on the accordion, and play several of these samples while he grunted and moaned and played his instrument. There were speakers mounted in all four corners of the room, and the sound would move around you. And besides the sound, the performance was visually stunning; the room was filled with artificial fog, and Kimmo was bathed in coloured lights that would change with the music or his facial expression. He would either sit there (while playing), his feet tapping the pedals or kicking in the air, or reel around the stage, tottering on the edge. And for this show, I had great seats. It's hard to explain the whole thing while I'm half asleep, so I'm sorry if I made it sound like a Meatloaf concert;) But I'd highly recommend seeing him perform if any of you get a chance. Has anyone else been to any of his concerts?

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Margaret V
Date: 28 Jun 00 - 10:42 PM

Hi, jets, tell us more. Where is your band? How do you come up with the arrangements? What instruments do you use? Do you play for dances? Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: jets
Date: 28 Jun 00 - 10:21 PM

My band is called Raaticoon. We play Finnish music. It was pointed out to me that the spelling is wrong.It is spelled with two Ts he said. I in turn explained that the dance is spelled Raatticoon but the band name is spelled Raaticoon .One T

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Margaret V
Date: 28 Jun 00 - 07:21 PM

I'm entranced by what I've heard, which is mainly Varttina. I think Hedningarna's one of the hottest bands around, and their vocalists are Finnish. This is the thing that impresses me about so many of the Finnish musicians I've heard, including Sanna Kurki-Suonio and Wimme: they seem to embrace the idea of their voices as instruments to be played with, manipulated, used in varied ways! No lazy singing in Finland! I also really like the fiddle group JPP; great motion, great sense of harmony and arrangements. Seems to be just a ton of excellent, adventurous folk-based music coming out of Sweden, Norway, and Finland these days. Has anyone heard the beautiful album of Norwegian medieval songs by Agnes Buen-Garnas and Jan Garbarek? Anyway, Andy, I'm happy to try to talk about Finnish music, I just don't know how much (herring) I can bring to the table! Margaret

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 28 Jun 00 - 02:59 PM

I love Finnish music. There were a few Finnish bands at the Nordic Roots Festival here in Minnesota a few months back... Loituma, Sanna Kurki-Suonio and JPP. Great shows. (hope I did that link correctly...)

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: kendall
Date: 28 Jun 00 - 12:41 PM

There is a Mudcat lurker called Jets who can talk your language. Now, if we can just smoke him out...

Subject: RE: Mostly finnish music
From: Ebbie
Date: 28 Jun 00 - 12:40 PM

I'll expose my ignorance- So, is Finnish folk music primarily romantic or martial or nationalistic? Does it speak of home or lost love or youth? I know nothing- But I'm willing to learn...Ebbie

Subject: Mostly finnish music
From: GUEST,andy mööer
Date: 28 Jun 00 - 09:14 AM

welcome to a currently threadbare(Thread bear,Grrr)- thread! anyways this is the second time i've tossed the finnish herring to the mudcat. Got one response..... ..from a guy who i played in a band with,in australia a nice surprise(thanks Nige), and sad at the same time. So...does anyone else want to talk about finnish music? I do,,,,It stirs my soul,with a huge copper spoon havent seen that much live ,but winter in Finland is'nt a good time for music. Swedish music is also special and Norway ,i've only heard a bit....... so lets talk Finnish(umm,i dont mean the language) here you go mudcat....THUB!! (the sound of a herring hitting the ground). -andy-.