HARAKKA BIALOIPOKKU [AKA: B THE MAGPIE]

I'm completely stunned at how good this is. I really didn't think it would be as good as his excellent debut, but in my opinion he surpassed it. Pekka of course was the great WIGWAM bassist from Finland, and this is his second solo album which was released in 1974 after WIGWAM's "Being" record. Fairly similar in style to the debut but he's added more horns and the piano has a greater role.This is a concept album although there are no lyrics. The story is in the liner notes, and it's a charming and well told tale about a magpie named Bialoipokku.

"The Beginning" features piano melodies throughout, as we can picture the magpie breaking out of his shell and being born into this world. "The First Morning" opens with more piano but a much fuller sound. Horns before a minute and some nice bass too. This sounds so good, very uplifting. "Bad Weather" opens with piano then the bass takes over followed by violin. This is dark. Piano and bass still create this sombre mood unti it kicks in before 5 minutes and brightens up. I like the way the horns pulsate over and over. "Bialoipokka's War Dream" is catchy with piano out in front early. Horns take the lead before a minute. This contrast continues for a while then it's horns leading the way to the end.

"Bialoipokka's War" is relaxed to start until the tempo picks up a minute in. Horns, bass and drums all stand out. The piano becomes prominant. Amazing sound 4 1/2 minutes in, I really like the bass. "The Madness Subsides" is a beautiful mellow track with piano to start. Guitar follows and it's fantastic ! So intricate. A bass solo 3 minutes in to the end. "Life Goes On" features horns, light drums and bass. Piano before a minute as the tempo picks up. The sax is great after 2 minutes as it plays over top.

This is so melodic and well thought out. The arrangements and overall playing are a delight.