Karjalasta kolttien maille – Karjalasta kolttien maille (Global Music Centre, 2022)
The album Karjalasta Kolttien Maille (From Karelia to the Skolt Sámi Lands), released in 2022 by Global Music Centre, stems from a cultural project launched in 2020. This initiative investigates the shared and unique elements of Karelian and indigenous Skolt Sámi traditions through folk music and folklore. Indeed, both cultures are united by features such as long narrative songs, laments, circle dances, the katrill dance, and their ties to the Orthodox faith, as well as a shared history of displacement. The project also sheds light on the challenges these communities face, including the decline of their languages due to Finnification (the Finnish concept of one people, one language, one nation) policies.
The album offers a collection of 17 tracks performed in Skolt Sámi, Karelian, and Finnish. These include traditional and modern compositions spanning genres like leuʹdd (a unique Skolt Sámi song tradition), poetry, lullabies, dance songs, and laments. Each song reflects the rich heritage of these cultures while fostering greater awareness of their artistic contributions.
Notably, the physical CD includes lyrics in Finnish, complemented by a QR code linking to a 28-page booklet with translations in Skolt Sámi, Karelian, and English. This thoughtful addition emphasizes accessibility and cultural exchange, aligning with the project’s goal of fostering dialog and understanding between the Karelian and Skolt Sámi communities.
Musicians: Amanda Kauranne on vocals, ring drum, finger pianos, flute and various percussion, such as rocks, coffee cups and bells; Emmi Kuittinen on vocals, accordion, harmonium, ukulele; Anna Lumikivi on vocals; Erkki Lumisalmi on vocals; and Janne Lappalainen on acoustic guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, bass, programming.
Buy Karjalasta Kolttien Maille.
Author: Madison Quinn
