OLD WAVES NEW SEAS

This now defunct Finnish folk jazz group released 3 albums in the 2000s, "Aquaplan" being the last. It's a shame because the level of maturity here is evident in the manner in which the band prioritizes a laid back yet upbeat clean "sound", unlike most Finnish prog. They do rock out but it's never overwrought or for too long. The two most defining aspects of their style are conveyed by vocalist Maarit Saarenkunnas and bassist Ville Veijalainen, though all members contribute to advantage.

Maarit's voice reminds me of a blend of Cat Ellen (FOREVER TWELVE), Stephanie Adlington and Jane Relf (RENAISSANCE), Joanna Hogg (IONA), and Moya Brennan (CLANNAD). Ville's bass takes over several tracks and, along with the piano and electric guitar to lesser degrees, impart a crisp jazzy sheen. While this is all enjoyable, the apex is represented by the sequence from "Lucky Me: through "Ordinary Life".

While "Old Waves New Seas" might sound vaguely familiar, it's a fresh take on Finnish prog folk could launch or cap off an evening of musical surfing. Not quite 4 stars.