Tango Orkesteri Unto - Finnish Tango (2003) [Finlandia]

An interesting album of tango by way of Scandinavia. The genre of tango has enjoyed reasonable success in Finland now and then over the decades, led by figures such as Toivo Karki and Unto Mononen, European counterparts to Troilo and Piazzolla to some degree. There's a heavy dose of jazz informing the music (largely thanks to Karki's influence, who they play a few numbers from), and some hint of European (perhaps French) song as well. The tango is more jazz-driven in general than most other versions of it, and focuses on the harmonies somewhat more than, say, Piazzolla (who was more often interested in the sheer sonic possibilities and combinations within the melody). For tango in general, a newcomer should go straight to the origin with Gardel, Troilo, Piazzolla, etc. If you are already acquainted with the genre, however, this album of Finns would make a worthwhile addition to your collection. ~ Adam Greenb

Tango-orkesteri Unto: FINNISH Tango
Record company: ARC Music
Catalog number: EUCD 1830

Buy the CD at:
http://www.arcmusic.co.uk
http://www.jukeboxshop.net




Pirjo Aittomäki - vocals
Timo Alakotila - piano
Johanna Juhola - accordion
Mauno Järvelä - violin
Petri Hakala - guitar
Hannu Rantanen - double bass

1. Tähdet meren yllä (Unto Mononen / Sauvo Puhtila)
2. Pieni sydän (Walter Rae / Tatu Pekkarinen)
3. Muista minua (Toivo Kärki / Reino Helismaa)
4. Avarasylisen naisen laulu (Anna-Mari Kähärä / Anna-Leena Härkönen)
5. Unelmia tuhlaa Holländer; Finnish lyrics Vesa Tapio Valo)
6. Preparense (Astor Piazzolla)
7. L´accordeoniste (Emer)
8. Muistathan, Barbara? (Joseph Kosma / Jacques Prévert; Finnish lyrics: Jukka Kemppinen)
9. Ilon kyynelet (Reino Markkula / Juha Vainio)
10. Hiljainen kylätie (Toivo Kärki / Reino Helismaa)
11. Ikävä omia maita (Anna-Mari Kähärä / Trad.)
12. Satumaa (Unto Mononen)
13. Siks´ oon mä suruinen (Toivo Kärki / Kerttu Mustonen)
14. Täysikuu (Toivo Kärki / Reino Helismaa)

Tango Orkesteri Unto - Finnish Tango