The World Mankeri Orchestra, aka Etnopojat
EkÉ!
$15.99

The strange and wonderful world of the Ethno-Boys is a place to behold. It's full of ancient reeds (the mänkeri and the liru) and strings (kantele), primitive percussion and electric bass (just to make sure you know it's the 21st century).

Listen to "Spit it out"

"I realized that the American way was not the only way to improvise, that you can improvise like a Finn, or like a Norwegian, and you need not many tools. Only five strings on the kantele were enough to make this music." - Pekka Westerholm

"Skirting the boundaries between ancient folk and aggressive jazz, The World Mänkeri Orchestra (also known as Etnopojat, “the ethnic boys”) is one of the most daring in Europe today. Their mission is simple: to take the ancient instruments of Scandinavia and bring them into the next century... Their phrases harken back to old folk tunes, and the modal tunes give their work that elusive “eastern” quality common to so much of Finland’s tradition. The World Mänkeri Orchestra are a unique experience, a one-of-a-kind jazz band that looks around the world for its inspiration before settling in right at home for its execution." - Cliff Furnald, RootsWorld

Listen to their 1999 CD Thauma

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