TOMBSTONE VALENTINE

WIGWAM are considered as the most significant band of the Finnish prog scene of the 70's.Having their roots in the jazz rock act ''Blues Section'',they were formed in 1968 and released ''Hard'n'horny'' in 1969.Both written in English and Finnish language,this was a rather hard-listening release with a sound close to psych,jazz and blues.''Tombstone Valentine'' shoed the arrival of bassist/violinist Peeka Pohjola,a major rock figure in Finland.Now,with a more delicate sound and reminding most of UK bands due to English singer Jim Pembroke,WIGWAM were ready to win wide success.THE BEATLES' influences are all over the place,combined with smooth violins and jazzy guitars.Very good work on piano by Jukka Gustavson,a classical-trained member focused on a more symphonic style of playing,especially in some superb organ intros.While ''Tombstone valentine'' isn't a release,which will leave you mind-blown,it's a good album,sometimes dominated by pop partts,sometimes it has a quite psych atmosphere,other ones jazzy/bluesy guitars lead the way.A recommended release for fans of early-70's smootyh and jazzy progressive/art rock.