Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Olavi Trio & Friends: Triologia
Olavi Trio & Friends: Triologia
ByHeikki Sarmanto
pianob.1939

Edward Vesala
drums1945 - 1999

Tomasz Stańko
trumpet1942 - 2018
This debut recording of the trio, recorded in 2008, represents what they do best: collective experimentation; passionate playing, with open-minded, open-ended and freely improvised textures; and rearranging a few compositions, but never surrendering to genre attitude, or relying on a steady pulse. All 14 pieces are stamped with the trio's unorthodox tastes, eccentric humor and almost telepathic interplay. Three other co-conspirators are occasionally invited to participate, adding even more spice to an already organic stew.
The trio introduces its unique raison d'être on a set of collective improvisations like the playful opener "Triologia," later moving to the dark, meditative "Super Balls" and the gentle "Bassologia." An exciting imaginary journey along the Finnish Amazon sounds exactly like its title, a meeting of curious, talkative "Birds." "Olavi Puré" is a surprising dreamy, childlike improvised song, while "Hi Bob!" is an eccentric experiment to form a free improvisation based on a reggae rhythm led by Hauta-aho.
Between these non-linear pieces, the Olavis adjust their improvisations to looser melodies on Lohivouri's spare "Dance of the Arasias," with guest trumpeter Verneri Pohjola. Guitarist

Kalle Kalima
guitarb.1973

Anthony Braxton
woodwindsb.1945

Juhani Aaltonen
saxophoneb.1935
Triologia is a provocative but, at the same time, an engaging experiment in forward-thinking free improvisation. Hopefully it won't be long until the next adventure of these musical heroes. ">
Track Listing
Triologia; Dance of the Arasias; Super Balls; Bassologia; No. 69B; Birds; White Adria; Four Paraphrases for Charles; Biologia; Drumologia; Olavi Puré; Old Papa?s Blues; Hi Bob!; T?ysikuu.
Personnel
Teppo Olavi Hauta-aho: bass; Jari Olavi Hongisto trombone; Niilo Olavi Louhivuori: drums; Verneri Pohjola: trumpet (2, 12); Juhani Aaltonen: saxophone (7, 14); Kalle Kalima: guitar (5, 9).
Album information
Title: Triologia | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: TUM Records
Tags
Comments
PREVIOUS / NEXT
Support All About Jazz
