Wimme Saari
Mun (Rockadillo Records ZENCD 2131, 2010)
Finnish vocalist Wimme Saari is one of the leading figures in the art of joik music. Although, he treats the Sami tradition with respect, Wimme like to explore other options and his latest album, titled Mun, shows the listener a superb mix of traditional and improvised joik, jazz, global sounds and even elements of classical music.
Most of the material is composed by Wimme and clarinetist Tapani Rinne (of the Finnish experimental band RinneRadio), who introduces the clarinet as an essential element in Wimme’s current work. The rest of Wimme’s current ban includes Juuso Hannukainen on percussion (RinneRadio) and Matti Wallenius on acoustic string instruments.
Wimme is not a prolific recording artist. Since 1995, he has released four band albums and a traditional solo joik album. It has taken him six years to record a new album, Mun. The Sámi title means Me in English. Wimme got so inspired by the new album sessions that he provided some new paintings and drawings to the CD artwork.
The album’s guests include fellow joiker Ulla Pirttijärvi, Pekka Lehti on upright bass, Iro Haarla on harp, Imre Pemot (igil), Pekka Kuusisto (violin), Eero Grundström (accordion) and Teho Majamäki (percussion).
Mun is an insightful album by one of Finland’s most important musicians.
Ordering information: http://www.rockadillo.fi/wimme/
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.
