LIVE AT TAVASTIA

This live album from the Finnish band GROOVECTOR was released between their first and second studio albums. We get over 74 minutes of music from two different shows.The first 4 tracks were recorded in Helinski in 2001, while the last 3 tracks were recorded live in the same place about a year later. The second show was missing their bass player, so the keyboardist played some bass along with his keys. The music from the second show doesn't sound as good as the first one in my opinion. The music itself is a blend of Symphonic and Jazz, with Symphonic being the more prominant of the two. Actually it would be their second studio album where the Jazz flavour really came out fully. The band they seem to get compared to most often (on their debut, and this live album) is CAMEL. Unlike their instrumental debut record this live album has plenty of vocals.

"Into The New World" is an uptempo, catchy song that just sounds great. A calm a minute in as the guitarist plays some lazy melodies. Nice. It starts to build before another calm this time with flute. The vocals before 4 1/2 minutes are very average at best,but the guitar 6 minutes in is outstanding. Another calm with flute 7 minutes in. "Medley : Cirkus + Selanger" opens with a sound that reminds me of LANDBERK and SINKADUS. Not the guitar parts but the keys and flute sections. Reserved vocals after 2 minutes. A fuller sound 2 minutes later with some nice guitar. Tasteful guitar after 7 minutes. More powerful 9 minutes in. Great sound. I like the atmosphere 11 minutes in. Lots of synths 13 1/2 minutes in. Best song so far.

"Berceuse + Elegie" opens with gentle and melancholic guitar melodies. Organ 2 1/2 minutes in. Keys then flute after 4 minutes. Drums after 5 minutes as flute then becomes prominant. The guitar lets loose 15 minutes in. "Haya's Dream" opens with light drums as keys and flute come in. The tempo picks up and guitar comes in. Vocals 3 1/2 minutes in. A jazzy vibe. The flute becomes the prominant instrument once again. After 7 minutes drums and synths lead the way to the end. Nice. "Intro" is mellow with flute and keys throughout. "Never Growing Old" opens with flute as vocals and light drums come in quickly. Guitar before 3 minutes is welcomed. Back to previous melody to end it. "Enigmatic Elements" is the best of the second show. It has a very good melody that is really enjoyable. Themes are repeated in this excellent closer. Jazzy after 4 minutes with a guitar solo to follow. Those average vocals are also present on this one.

There's a lot to like about this album. The flute player who is so active on this live recording would leave before the second studio album.