Tjango! – Pohjantähti (The North Star)
On February 8th, 2023, Tjango! unveiled their latest album, Pohjantähti (The North Star), which evokes the ambiance of the northern countryside and showcases world music from a Finnish perspective.
Tjango! is an acoustic folk-jazz band whose talented members composed all the tracks on the album, each of which emphasizes the significance of home and a reliable reference point in our rapidly changing world.
Although Tjango!’s music originates from Helsinki, it draws on diverse influences from Paris, Buenos Aires, and Northern Finland, spanning swinging jazz manouche (Gypsy jazz), delightful tango, skillful bluegrass, bossa nova, and Finnish folk music. Interestingly, the group’s instrumental music is based on storytelling.
“The album was recorded in January 2021 and January 2022, amid snow and ice in our violinist Tero’s hometown, while the world was in lockdown. It captures the winter ambiance of the northern countryside and represents world music from the Finnish perspective, incorporating influences from our travels, including Eastern Europe,” the band says. “Returning home to enjoy a cup of coffee with grandma is always a joy.“
The first single from the album, ‘Punkka,’ recalls childhood memories of Saturday nights spent in the sauna, enjoying sausages and watching The Dating Game on TV.
The second single, Pohjantähti, which dropped on January 25th, is a song about the persistence of the Finnish spirit, featuring echoes of the Finnish folk tune Täällä Pohjantähden alla (Under the North Star), without the longing for the afterlife.
Prior to Pohjantähti, Tjango! released two critically acclaimed albums: “Tjango!” in 2014 and “Greens and Blues” in 2017. The band has toured extensively throughout Finland and Europe, performing at major concert venues, folk music festivals, and intimate jazz clubs. They are renowned for their seamless ensemble playing, virtuosic solos, and warm sense of humor. The group comprises accomplished musicians with years of experience in symphony orchestras, folk music, and rock bands.
Band members: Antti Leinonen on accordion; Tero Hyväluoma on fiddle; Tarmo Anttila on double bass; Juha Savela on guitar;
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.