Last night (June 5) at Queensland Multicultural Centre provided a glimpse into the musical soul of Finland.
As part of the Brisbane International Jazz Festival, saxophonist Jukka Perko with acoustic guitarist Teemu Viinikainen and electronic guitarist Jarmo Saari come together as Avara to explore the 'wide open spaces' of Finnish jazz to find their own sound in traditional Finnish hymns and folk tunes.
These highly regarded European musicians and long-time collaborators took us on a journey that included their interpretations of simple hymns and the surprising rhythms of Finnish tango.
They opened their first set with the hymn, 'I Am But A Poor Wanderer' to set the scene of exploration. Teemu and Jarmo's guitar duet was balanced by Jukka's soaring, melancholic soprano sax.
'Guardian Angel' has a simple melody that, with Jukka's precise use of loops and the harmonies between the two guitarists, widened out into washes of evocative sound that all three musicians grounded with percussive beats in their own individual ways.
© Mish PhotographyThe tango, 'Red Leaves', set a different mood and tempo for the second set and led into a Finnish favourite 'Wunderland'. With a theme of yearning for another place, like a lot of Avara pieces, it is set in a minor key, which Jukka told us is a key of 'truth'; there is nowhere to hide in them. The truth of this piece was a great toe-tapping rhythm.
My favourite piece was one of their own compositions, 'Water Of The Black Trench' about the last snow melting before spring. This one showcased Jarmo's baritone vocals as well as his amazing work on that wonderful green painted guitar.
Jukka is a fine, funny host and it was a pleasure to be in the company of such innovative musicians. I hope they come back again soon.
Written by Pam Swepson
© Mish Photography 
