HYSTERICA

Finnish guitarist Jukka Tolonen's fourth solo album is a great jazz rock album in the same vein as the three previous. This is fairly simple, well arranged music where the melody lines are more in focus than the solos, although we get to hear quite a lot of Tolonen's distinct and somewhat bluesy guitar, as well as a sax sometimes. Musically it reminds me of Chick Corea's Return to Forever albums but the music is not that sparkling, rather cooking. The musicians are not trying to make the music scream or cry, but rather swing and flow. There's an overall relaxed and unpretentious feeling over it although they play rather fast from time to time, and yet with a typical Scandinavian melancholy trademark.

Four bright shinig stars!

The founder of legendary finish Tasavallan Presidentti and also appear on two Wigwam albums, Jukka Tolonen is one of the most respected and well known guitarist ever came from Finland, and why not from Europe. Under his name he release some more then respectable albums in jazz rock/progressive rock field , one of them is Hysterica from 1975. Hysterica like previous two albums is an acclaimed release both by fans as for crititcs aswell. To me is a very worthy jazz rock album, with a touch of his distinct tone not far from bluesy atmosphere. Some killer musicinship here, is obvious because we have here on bass Pekka Pohjola and on drums Esko Rosnell, while on keyboards appear Esa Kotilainen+ lots of other instrunets, trumpet, trombone, sax. The music is quite challenging with blistering guitar chops and fairly intelligent keyboards, the opening track, the most bluesy of the album , a tribute to Jimi Hendrix, is a worthy one but what is to come is most consistent and intresting, the title track, Hysterica, Tiger or Silva the cat are excellent jazz rock/progressive rock pieces that stands among the best of the genre, really high calibre musicianship and interludes between musicians. An almost essential album bith in his catalogue and in this musical field, definetly woth to be discovered. 4 stars for sure. nice art work.

It is true that one of Finland's finest ambassador and veteran performer of this genre would merit more attention here. But considering that guitar legend John McLaughlin doesn't fare much better himself... well, I am resisting of jumping to conclusions. It may (or may not?) help if Tolonen's Discography was updated as otherwise excellent and very mature works are yet to be listed. Missing releases at a glance:

1978 Montreux Boogie (Live), 1995 The Last Mohican, 1997 Big Time, 2004 Cool Train (John Coltrane tribute), also this very album coupled with "The Hook" as a 2 for 1 package, representing tremendous value.

"Hysterica" follows in the footsteps of Tolonen's previous album "The Hook", albeit in a slightly more compact form. All instrumental tracks, but with tighter arrangements and perhaps more melodic compositions in comparison. The added bonus is that another Finnish legend, Pekka Pohjola, on bass is also guesting on some tracks. Altogether, this work represents a fine example of great European Jazz-Rock of that era. A surprise is that "Silva the Cat" taken from this album was released as a single, although it has nothing to do with chart-topping aspirations.

Due to a permanent medical condition, Tolonen was compelled to put his guitars away for good, so new works are not likely. The 2 for 1 CD may still be in circulation and well worth tracking down. Chances are that you could be "hooked" on Tolonen as a result.