Maria Kalaniemi Bellow Poetry (Aito - Finnish release) $17.99
Maria K's 2005 release is a solo recording that examines the potential of accordion in the Finnish rune song and lament tradition.
Listen: Dim light in the farmhouse Cranes of spring So shimmmering
More music by Maria Kalaniemi
Maria describes the music this way: "Inspiration for this music came from Kalevala runo-singing, shepherd's music, laments, Finnish gypsy music, Finno-Swedish tradition and of course, there are other spices, as well. I call this music runo-playing - it is not what you might expect from an accordionist. It is mainly my own compositions and improvisations, inspired by these various elements. There is also one traditional song and one composed by Swedish troubador Evert Taube. It is very deep, melodic and lyrical music. Someone told me that it sounds like Finnish fado - I like that. I am playing solo mostly, and I use my voice as part of the music. On two tracks Olli Varis joins me on his electric guitar."
the official press release: The queen of the Finnish free-bass button accordion, Maria Kalaniemi releases her first internationally distributed solo album, Bellow Poetry. Having a twenty year professional career filled with duos, trios, ensembles, projects and collaborations, often with complex and intricate arrangements, Bellow Poetry shows Maria at her purest; she and her instrument in an informal, intimate, solo setting. Following albums Maria Kalaniemi, Iho, Ahma, Ramunder, Ambra, Trio Live in Tokyo and Airbow, Bellow Poetry is the album that reveals the essence of Maria and her music in all its melodic simplicity. Bellow Poetry was recorded at Maria's home studios in 2005 with engineer Olli Varis who also features as guitar accompanist on two pieces. One additional outstanding feature on several pieces in the album is Maria's vocals which have previously been heard only in projects such as Accordion Tribe, Ramunder and Pidot. Maria's compositions and performances on Bellow Poetry are inspired by Kalevala runo poem singing, pastoral shepherd music and Finnish gypsy themes. Meditative and improvisational themes are explored on one of the world's most expressive instruments by one of the world's most expressive players.
Bellow Poetry was recorded at Maria's home studios in 2005 with engineer Olli Varis who also features as guitar accompanist on two pieces. One additional outstanding feature on several pieces in the album is Maria's vocals which have previously been heard only in projects such as Accordion Tribe, Ramunder and Pidot.
Maria's compositions and performances on Bellow Poetry are inspired by Kalevala runo poem singing, pastoral shepherd music and Finnish gypsy themes. Meditative and improvisational themes are explored on one of the world's most expressive instruments by one of the world's most expressive players.
Maria Kalaniemi