PIHKASILMÄ KAARNAKORVA

Sadly Pekka passed away not even 2 months ago (Nov. / 08) but thankfully we have his music to remind us of how talented he was. Actually Frank Zappa asked Pekka to come over to the U.S.A. to tour with him one year, and you know Zappa will only play with the best. Of course Pekka is more well known for his bass work in WIGWAM, perhaps Finland's most influential band.This is his first solo album and it was recorded in 1972 the year after "Fairyport" was released. Pekka has WIGWAM's own keyboard prodigy Jukka Gustavson helping him out as well as a drummer, sax / flute player and a clarinet player. Besides playing bass Pekka plays piano, violin and some organ on the final track. I was surprised at the symphonic passages on this album, it really didn't sound like I thought it would.

"Capercaillie Games" is the almost 11 minute opener and the longest track on here. It opens with a sax blast then suddenly there is this collage of sounds. So much going on and so intricate.This is very symphonic.The sax is often leading the way and then we get a calm before 3 minutes as light drums and bass take over. They continue until 8 1/2 minutes in, probably too long although it gets better towards the end of that passage. When that symphonic soundscape returns it sounds fantastic ! "Curls Of Steams" opens with piano as organ joins in followed by a great rhythm. The organ and bass are prominant. Sax and clarinet after 1 1/2 minutes. It kicks back in before 2 1/2 minutes as the song continues to shift gears on us. Violin before 4 minutes then it's the organ's turn as the bass throbs. A very proggy song.

"Merciless Idyll" has this catchy rhythm throughout as the clarinet plays over top. "Pinch" is led by sax and drums early. Piano and violin comes in although the sax dominates here. Great sound. "Complainer" opens with piano before the bass starts to take over after a minute. It's deep and snarly just the way I like it. The organ floats in before 3 minutes as the song continues to build until it kicks in at 5 1/2 minutes. Amazing sound as they seem to jam without restraint. It's not often that i've been moved emotionally by someone's bass playing but I alm here. It calms down before the organ comes in to end it.

Hard to believe that Pekka was only 20 years old at this time. Just an incredible release from this influential bass player. Easily 4 stars.