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Verneri Pohjola & Black Motor: Rubidium
ByTommy Dorsey. Sippola found rare recordings of these compositions in Tampere flea market, the latter played by cult organist Korla Pandit, therefore both arrangements stresses the quartet bold and show no respect to original or past performances.
Bassist Ville Rauhala is the key player. He not only anchors the compositions in his own shifting concept of time keeping but also sketches and expands the the loose outlines and contributes imaginative, expressive solos. His two compositions present the two sides of this quartet. "Vainila," taken from the early repertoire of Black Motor, is an urgent and muscular free jazz assault of fireworks while the following "Alma," for the yet unborn daughter of Rauhala, is a touching, lyrical melody. Pohjola, who contributed three compositions, is also a varied composer. The title piece is structured like a mini-suite, with a dramatic narratives and slow-burning interplay that gains intensity and fierce power. "Old Papa's Blues," dedicated to his late father is a heartfelt, sad ballad, while "The Old Janitsar," is a playful one inspired by drummers Max Roach and the great Finnish Edward Vesala.
The cover of Vesala's "Kynnyspuulla," originally recorded with Polish trumpeter Tomasz Stańko and Aaltonen, is crystalline demonstration of melodic, melancholic beauty, with reserved pathos and captivating emotional impact, examplified by Pohjola arresting solo.
Triumphant collaboration by excellent, strong-minded musicians.
Track Listing
WWaltz; Song of India; Vainila; Alma; Rubidium; Old Papa's Blues; Sax-O-Phun; Kynnyspuulla; The Last Janitsar.
Personnel
Verneri Pohjola
trumpetVernerii Pohjola: trumpet; Sami Sippola: tenor and soprano saxophone; Ville Rauhala: double bass; Simo Laihonen: drums.
Album information
Title: Rubidium | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: TUM Records
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About Verneri Pohjola
Instrument: Trumpet
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