#EUPHORIA

In 2008 three experienced musicians from Helsinki area released the first album of KUMINA.ORG and it was praised by critics. Soon afterwards the group was put to rest because of members moving to different locations. Each continued playing mostly in the Finnish jazz scene. But the passion of making boundless music with that extraordinary group chemistry never died. "So, one night in June 2014 we got together for a 3-hour jam session, highlights of which are compiled on this 1-hour download only album."

These words might prepare the listener for a half-baked work that doesn't even fully believe in itself. No need for that! In fact it's hard to believe how just one jam session - after several years of playing together - can produce such enjoyable music. Naturally the role of post-production becomes crucial too, but I think the jam-based nature can be heard mostly in a positive way. The music really breathes and radiates that lovely carefree spirit, when the creative locks and brakes are broken down to let everything happen here and now. Pure musical communication between keyboards, guitar, bass and drums. Yes, I'm aware how idealized way this is to see music borne from jamming, and that the risk of becoming unfocused, pointless and plain boring is constantly lurking somewhere near. Perhaps it's safe to say that the reception of such music is very personal, not only up to the individual listeners but also up to the mood you're in. Anyway, from that starting point this is a wonderful album.

Some notes on chosen tracks. The opener 'Re:Union' is delicious, jazzier cousin of spacey acid rock à la early 70's PINK FLOYD. On 'Obligatory Blues Jam' the groove is coloured by a superb Moog solo among other things. Reggae-ish beat and the soloing guitar are on focus on the 3rd one. No. 5 gets funky; the hilarious communication especially between electric piano and bass paves way for a gorgeous guitar solo. The slow and soft title track is euphoric indeed; you can imagine flying in the brightness above the clouds. In the end piano citates briefly 'My Way' (the song made famous by Frank Sinatra).

The next track is at first a bit annoying with the angular "takita takadi tadikitato" repetition. At this point the running order is not the best possible... To some degree it's also true that towards the end the album loses some of its happy charm. But this hour contains musical joy and unique personality enough for four stars. Warmly recommended for Fusion lovers!