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JPP: Artology
Sing Out! The Folk Song Magazine, Wntr, 2007 by Rob Weir
JPP Artology NorthSide 6089
The normal procedure is to make a film and then write a soundtrack, but the latest from Finnish sextet JPP is so evocative that mental movies burst forth like fiddle rolls. "Tango De Caro," inspired by 1930s Argentine tunes, is so faithful to its source that one expects a tuxedoed crooner to burst into a love song at any moment. "Yliayraden" strikes a different mood; it's a waltz constructed around a gorgeous melody that builds, pauses and rebuilds like a score from an epic film. And then there's the quadrille finale section to "Hammennys," which conjures the surrealistic specter of Jacques Tati. The moods and images keep changing. "Kayden" was written in the style of a church wedding march, which it's destined to become; "Murhe" is a cross between European cafe music and a Middle Eastern lament; and one can envision Arto Jarvela discussing classical/folk fusions with his Sibelius Academy tutor on "En Till Sven." There are other surprising digressions. "Sutela" is dedicated to Vermont fiddler Pete Sutherland. It uses thwacking bass lines from Annti Jarvela to establish the old-time feel for which Sutherland is renowned, but JPP's four fiddlers can't resist putting a jumpy jazz edge on it, so it comes off like a caffeinated contra dance tune. Annti Jarvela's bass is also in evidence on the album's most unexpected pleasure, a quick-step-meets-jazz rendition of "Stuffologie." The Texas Playboys at Kaustinen? Nope; just JPP raising the bar for excellence and innovation.
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