Sampo Lassila Narinkka – Suomiklezmer 2 – East Helsinki Suite (Narinkaattori Records NARI003, 2024)
The third release from the pioneering Finnish klezmer ensemble, Sampo Lassila Narinkka, pays homage to the vibrant area of East Helsinki; its bustling neighborhoods, rich narratives, cityscapes, and diverse population. In a masterful stroke, this album intertwines contemporary compositions with timeless classics from the klezmer canon, evoking both the essence of tradition and the vitality of innovation.
East Helsinki, with its rugged allure, stands in stark contrast to the more affluent districts that may draw envy from the rest of Finland. It exudes an enigmatic charm, offering a glimpse into the lesser-known facets of the Finnish capital. Can the essence of East Helsinki be encapsulated in the evocative strains of Finnish klezmer music? Indeed, from this artistic inquiry emerges the East-Helsinki Suite, a mosaic of klezmer vignettes that paint vivid sonic portraits of the region.
The music pulsates with the raw energy of live performance, eschewing electric instrumentation in favor of acoustic purity. Each note reverberates with the authentic soundscape of East Helsinki, transporting listeners through its varied landscapes, from the parks of the Roihuvuori (Kasberget) neighborhood to the tranquility of Vartioharju in the wee hours of May.
Sampo Lassila Narinkka epitomizes the spirit of exploration and innovation in contemporary klezmer music, pioneering a genre affectionately dubbed “suomiklezmer.” Building upon decades of traditional klezmer repertoire, Sampo Lassila recognized the absence of a distinctly Finnish interpretation and embarked on a quest to carve out a unique sonic identity.
Their music, a fusion of Finnish and European influences, traverses the domain of acoustic klezmer, drawing from a diverse palette of traditions, from Jewish and Balkan folk melodies to Scandinavian chamber music and jazz. Infused with Finnish sensibilities, humor, and storytelling, each composition resonates with a palpable sense of authenticity, while honoring the rich klezmer tradition.
To confine this music within the label of “klezmer” would be a disservice; it transcends boundaries, embracing a multicultural ethos reflective of Finland’s urban landscape. From neoklezmer to Finnish world jazz, the lexicon struggles to encapsulate the breadth of Narinkka’s musical genre.
Musicians: Sampo Lassila: double bass, composer; Aleksi Trygg: viola pomposa; Markku Lepistö: accordion; and Janne Tuomi: percussion (Regular guest).
Since its inception in 2010, Narinkka has garnered international acclaim, with their debut album soaring to the top of the World Music Charts Europe in 2013. They have graced prestigious stages across Finland and beyond, captivating audiences with their dynamic performances and innovative interpretations.
Buy Suomiklezmer 2 – East Helsinki Suite.
Author: JGurski
