TAMMIKUINEN TAMMELA

The title is finnish for "Tammela in January" (Tammela is a small borough in southern Finland). Having suffered several inhumanely icy Januaries in Finland, it is incomprehensible to me that UZVA has chosen such an improper title for a record consisting of so pleasantly warm and uplifting tunes. Or perhaps these melodies were designed to shine during the snowy days the sun doesn't. Nevertheless, this debut is capable of first astonishing, and then amazing me with its complicated yet easy-to-like jazz-prog.

"Intro" is introduced by electric bass, with a swarm of acoustic instruments soon revealing Uzva's elaborate timbre. This lovely piece sets a high standard only to be overshadowed by the following 44 minute suite.

Parts I-V are independent compositions, who together take you to a journey through intriguing backwoods which they scrutinize with a child-like curiosity. The carrying effect lies in the eloquent clarinet, the witty acoustic guitar, the omnipresent electric bass, the incalculable drums and the ethereal violin. Electric guitar makes an occasional visit, during which it remains subtle and refined, reminiscent of MIKE OLDFIELD.

My only criticism is surprisingly aimed at the melodies I hold so dear. The themes often progress impatiently to the other, and it is difficult to get a firm grip of the entity. Every new listen is a new journey where you only see as far as the following curve. Every new listen is a solemn enigma you just quite can't understand. A highly recommended album for those winter evenings you rather stay at home.

Uzva are one of the best bands from Finland these days. Their style that mixes folk, jazz, classical and other influences is always a joy to hear. It seems they have taken many influences (Tasavallan Presidentti, Oldfield and many others) but their sound is still pretty much their own. This is their first album and even though most debutes sound quite uneven and not ready yet, this doesn't. This is a very strong debut from start to finish. This IMO perhaps isn't as good as their second album but almost. The overall sound is also quite similar. There's really not much difference between the two. I agree with Eemu, it is really hard to get a firm grip of their music because the themes are always evolving but it doesn't bother me. Uzva's sound is so warm, cozy and pleasant that sometimes it's hard for me to change the disc when the album ends. The music is really mellow most of the time with beautiful violin and clarinet passages. Acoustic guitar is also present most of the time. Uzva have become one of my favorite finnish bands and I would recommend this album basically to anyone who enjoys a beautiful and relaxing album.

Uzva's debut album is not an easy one to find as it seems that the album was printed in small quantities , most of them sold by now but also it is not well distributed. Thanks to fellow ProgReviewer Jimbo (who even had problems finding it in his home country of Finland), I now have a copy. I can thank him and will return him the favor, if I can someday.

Uzva's debut is an interesting one with full on fusion music (not really in the jazz-rock mode but a little still) meddling classical , folk , a bit of jazz. The music although very pleasant , stays very calm , shall I say almost pastoral , almost fully acoustic , underlined by the cello of Marko Maninnen (ex-Hoyry Koyne) but somehow the music never really takes off. Only in the last track , is there a real hint of energy again one has to wait for the last five minutes. Most of the tracks are strongly influenced in the classical quartet or quintet mode as chamber music.

Although their second album has a similar structure and development , it is by far more interesting mainly because of the energy levels or passions of the musicians is more fulfilling like in almost-similar band from countrymen Alamaailman Vasarat. Although still a good album , I would recommend progheads to start with the second album (if they can ever find this one) and let themselves get carried away with the undeniable charm of this acoustic fusion music.

One can find very pleasant jazz-fusion pastorals from this disc by the Finnish misty musicians. The whole album works as one instrumental suite, and the tracks dividing different themes have only numbers as their names. The overall sound of this album is acoustic and chamber orchestra like, and there are influences of both classical and pleasant jazz music to be heard here. I would recommend this CD to those who liked early 70's TASAVALLAN PRESIDENTTI and PEKKA POHJOLA, and the jazz stuff of FRANK ZAPPA. The band is a very good live act, so any possible concerts near you are also recommended!

As a fan of prog folk I find it hard to place Uzva into that category. I don't mean that I would not like this album, I do. But it is to me more folk jazz and also classical elements are visible. The most enjoyable thing in this record is the recording itself. You don't need to wait for live acts if you have good equipment at home, Uzva will be there also! It's not wonder as the music is recorded by Måns Groundstroem, a member of the great prog bands Tasavallan Presidentti and Wigwam (which might also explain the 70's influence in this music) and mastered by Otto Donner, a highly talented musician and co-founder of the finnish record company Love Records. Only weak moment on this album is in the beginning the sound of the violin. It seems that Lari is a bit tense but as the music gets going the playing is just fine.

UZVA hail from Finland and ''Tammikuinen Tamella'' is their debut album...It is a completely instrumental work and comes as a combination of progressive rock,ethnic orientations,chamber music and jazz improvisations...Weird,ha?And that's the way it is...This band has an obsure unique sound which I consider as a plus...Most part of the album is dominated by the bass lines,acoustic guitar work and an intense change of use of instruments like violin,cello,trombone,harmonica and the french horn.This is when AFTER CRYING or even ANGELO BRANDUARDI's early solo works come to mind...But also part of it contains complex progressive/jazz rock reminiscent of GENTLE GIANT or MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA,especially in the closing track ''Part V''...Important notification : This isn't an easy album to listen to! It takes several listenings to appreciate it and it's not an album for every time of the day, a specific relaxing mood is recommended before listenin to it...Anyone who wants to try something really new in the progressive rock field should check UZVA's works out...For me this is a 3.5 star effort, ranging from 2.5 stars to 4.5 dependin on the mood!...