Loituma is an ensemble that mixes the Finnish vocal tradition with the exquisite sounds of the kantele (Finnish harp). At ease with four-part unaccompanied vocals as well as four-part kantele instrumentals, Loituma was selected Band of the Year at the 1997 Kaustinen Folkmusic Festival.
Loituma started in the fall of 1989 as a septet called Jäykkä Leipä (Stiff Bread), created in the prestigious Sibelius Academy Folk Music Department. The original band included vocalists Sanna Kurki-Suonio and Tellu Paulasto, who later relocatred to Sweden to join Hedningarna. Anita Lehtola was also a member of Hedningarna as well.
Loituma includes Sari Kauranen on kanteles and vocals; Anita Lehtola on vocals and 5-string kantele; Timo Väänänen on kanteles and vocals; and Hanni-Mari Turunen on vocals, fiddle, 5-string kantele, alto recorder, acoustic bass, and Lapin drum.
The band’s two albums were released in the United States on the Northside label.
Discography:
Loituma – Things of Beauty (1995)
Kuutamolla – In the Moonlight (1998)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
