Heikki Sarmanto
Suomi - Symphonic Poem for Orchestra in Eight Movements
Finlandia Records (Finland) 1984
FA 913 (LP)
sleeve : EX+(SOC)
media : EX+/EX+(some slightly noises.)
This album was featured in the guidebook OBSCURE SOUND REVISED EDITION. Released in 1984, it is an extraordinary work by Finnish pianist Heikki Sarmanto, who has been active on the Finnish jazz scene since the early 1970s. The album features frequent collaborators such as reed player Juhani Aaltonen and drummer Esko Rosnell, as well as Heikki’s brother, bassist Pekka Sarmanto. It also prominently includes The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra in its production. Perhaps overlooked due to its artwork and title, which resemble those of classical orchestral works, this album is nothing short of spectacular. It represents the pinnacle of organic spiritual jazz, blending the unique back-to-nature ethnic sensibilities of Finnish jazz with sweeping orchestral string arrangements in a mesmerizing and expansive sonic journey. Juhani Aaltonen’s flute, harmonized with the humming and scat singing of female vocalist Maija Hapuoja, is a particular highlight. An incredible discovery and a truly remarkable album.
A1: Under Northern Skies
B1: Through Fire and Sto