UMPEEN KASVOIVAT POLUT

A high time to give the first review for this excellent album released nearly a year ago. JUPU GROUP was a Finnish instrumental fusion band in the mid-70's, led by violinist and composer Juhani "Jupu" Poutanen. They released their sole album Ahmoo in 1975 and practically disappeared from the business, the album later gradually becoming a minor fusion classic of the era. Surprisingly enough, Poutanen has composed new pieces and gathered a new six-piece line-up of young musicians: here is the result. Poutanen himself doesn't play on it, but the electric violin of Lotta Ahlbeck is central in the sound.

Shortish, 37-minute album has eight tracks. This time there are also songs with lyrics in Finnish. Some of them are originally poems of respected poets such as Helena Anhava and Helvi Juvonen, and the vocalist Meerika Ahlqvist has written a few lyrics herself. The occurring melancholic themes such as loneliness, suffering of animals and death gives the whole a beautiful coherence on the lyrical level, but in this review I'm going to concentrate on music. First, Meerika's bright vocals are very enjoyable, especially on the more delicate, introspective moments.

The opening piece 'Kapriisi' is a powerful and dynamic prog-fusion instrumental full of vibrant joy of playing. The violin easily brings acts like Kansas or Mahavishnu Orchestra in mind. 'Istut yksin' (= You sit alone) starts delicately in a slow tempo but adds tight prog fuel in midway, highlighting Otto Porkkala's intensive electric guitar work.

The album's title track (= "The paths were covered with growth", to give a very rough translation) is truly lovely in its jazzy sensualism. 'Enkeli' (= Angel) is another energetic instrumental. If Kansas were a bit jazzier they might have done something similar -- and this is definitely not to say Jupu Group doesn't have a sound of their own. The third instrumental track 'Giba' has interesting counterpoints and an eclectic rhythmic complexity. Mikko Patama on piano gets into spotlight on the jazziest moments, while elsewhere the entire band has a marvelous prog groove reminiscent of both Frank Zappa and early 70's Wigwam. The album's excellently produced soundscape is best described as timeless, with its retro nuances. Piano is the primary keyboard but there are some Hammond also.

'Kääntäisikö hän selkänsä' (= Would he turn his back?) has a beautifully delicate intro starring just vocals and piano, and grows into tight 70's-like prog. 'Pihapuu' (= Yard tree) flows instrumentally for its first half and would be a great piece as an all-instrumental, but the sparse sensual vocals lift it to a higher level. The final track 'Täyttymys' (= Fulfillment) is yet another winner combining prog complexity, flexible jazziness and lyrically expressive vocals.

The elegant little dose of cultivated RIO/Avant-ish edginess in the compositions makes sure that this album is rewarding to a demanding prog listener, not only to those with fondness on sensual and lyrical side (btw, hopefully you non-Finnish listeners are not bothered by the language barrier). I am happily charmed, and give my warmest recommendation with a full rating.