Today I want to present you something different to sweet 60-es: some extreme contemporary avantgarde. The name behind is Kimmo Pohjonen. (Does it rings a bell? I guess not!)
He is a contemporary Finnish accordionist... but to say that means to say nothing -- as he is one of the most interesting and avant-garde persons at the Finnish music scene (which may not be in the focus of the public's attention - but music lovers in the world, do know such names as Tarja Turunen, Nightwish, Islaja, Tenhi, Apocalyptica, Lordy, Pan Sonic etc etc etc... )
Let me start differently now ;)
Finnish accordion adventurist and composer Kimmo Pohjonen is known for revolutionizing accordion music and visual performances. (I am quoting press release here - no one can say better!) His manner of playing, the way of producing sounds is unique and exceptional - check any video, and you will see (and as he has been touring around the world regularly for the last thirty years, it is not a mission impossible to see him alive).
Accordion is not the most promising instrument for a rock star (have you ever tried to jump on the stage holding an accordion?...), but it is much more matching instrument if you are concerned with the ideas of the avant-garde and non-standard sound extraction, if you think in terms of "soundscapes", rather than lipstick pop tunes. Also, Pohjonen is willingly collaborate with other artists, which bring to life some teasing fruits. Hope that does not sounds silly.
How did I get acquainted with this name? to be honest, I don't remember! it happened in the mid-2000s and got lost in the sands of time... but most likely one of my friends handed me Pohjonen's first album (1999) to listen to. Youtube didn't exist back then, or rather, it was in its infancy... and certainly didn't give such precision AI recommendations as nowadays :)
I became obsessed and wanted to find out more about the music that blew my mind, and YouTube helped me with that... a little: I found some terribly compressed tiny videos, the most important of which you can see below. It started my ardent love for this Finnish genius. (Oh, and I'll put in brackets: I don't know Finnish, and don't have a slightest idea what he's singing about... it's not that important).
Kimmo Pohjonen - Animator
I am happy to tell you than in my dream list of gigs, the line with Pohjonen's name I crossed out: I have seen him alive once, playing with his KTU project at the famous SKIF festival at St.Petersburg, back in 2009. It was unforgettable experience. I don't remember any of the songs, but I remember certain moments with the scene... a little bit.
KTU — Sineen
'KTU' minimalistic abbreviation hides Pohjonen's collaboration with Samuli Kosminen, percussionist Pat Mastelotto and touch guitarist Trey Gunn from 'King Crimson' - i.e. that is sort of a 'supergroup'. Up to date the project released two albums: '8 Armed Monkey' (2005) and 'Quiver' (2009), this track is from
the 1st one. I find this composition, figuratively speaking, to be an outstanding concentration of sadness. Stunning. (Not to be consumed in large quantities.) Do check the album, it is worth it.
Kronos Quartet, Pohjonen & Samuli Kosminen - Särmä
The third track I'd like to present to you is from amazing and mind blowing collaboration with the famous avant-garde band, Kronos Quartet. Magnificent tune! YT has its live performances too, but studio one I find so much superior.
And an extra one, if you are hooked - as a bonus....
Kimmo Pohjonen - Amazing accordeon
This performance isnt a certain song or tune, it features sample recordings of farm machinery recorded live on Finnish farms in collaboration with local farmers and their machines, tools and animals. Pohjonen builds these samples into layers of accordion and vocal sounds to brilliant effect.
I use to say: 'They don't do it like that anymore! -- but in this case, I definitely not correct; this is great stuff, alive and doing well; dont miss it, if you'd be lucky to notice one of his projects performing at the horizon.
The post goes for Three Tune Tuesday challenge run by @ablaze. I welcome @mipiano, @ylich, @steevc, @slobberchops to visit this not so long read.
