UNI SONO

As I'm afraid this will most likely remain being the only review, I'll do my best to expand the band information as well. Finnish jazz/fusion group UNISONO was founded in 1973, and this is their sole album. The album's line-up is different from the original sextet that made a tour in Poland in '73. The tour was so succesful that it lasted longer than the planned two weeks. At this point guitarist Hasse Walli and trumpetist Mike Koskinen returned to Finland and Unisono continued the tour as a quartet. Sometime later the original bassist Make Lievonen left the group because of his civil service time; Heikki Virtanen (from Tasavallan Presidentti) joined Unisono for their Jazz Jamboree gig in Prague.

The album was recorded in Stockholm's Marcus Music studio in May 1975. Founding members Seppo "Paroni" Paakkunainen (sax, flute), keyboardist Olli Ahvenlahti and drummer Reino Laine were joined by guitarist Nono Söderberg and bassist Pekka Pohjola. A stellar line-up in which each musician already had a respectable CV in Finnish jazz and/or rock scene.

Three of the five tracks are composed by Paakkunainen who also produced the album with Ahvenlahti. The opener 'TVL' written by drummer Laine is a relatively lively piece with a jam-like atmosphere in which sax, electric piano, bass and drums (guitar stays slightly more in the background) have their spotlight moments. On 'Chorea Urbana' saxophone is taking the lead until Pohjola plays a cool bass solo, followed by a meditative slow movement for bass and keys.

Olli Ahvenlahti composition 'Boulevard Blues' is romantically charming, hurriless and laid-back, his Chick Corea -influenced electric piano in the centre. 'Jedi & Rekku' is undoubtedly named after two dogs barking at the beginning. This is the longest track (11:26) and it meanders with natural ease. Like the album as a whole, it contains first class musicianship without a feeling of self-indulgent showing-off. The Finnish title of the closing track means 'Evening Star'. This roughly 10-minute piece has a nearly hypnotic feel as saxophone, electric guitar and electric piano do their converstation against bass & drum patterns.

This is a pretty enjoyable and harmonic fusion album focusing on the airy lightness and peaceful tempos. Do not expect a fiery approach of Mahavishnu Orchestra! Actually I would have liked to hear a bit more of flute and guitar as solo instruments. But anyway, warmly recommended for those who enjoy rather peaceful fusion. The CD edition might still be available.