Artology

Fabulously fiddle-y Finnish Folk (How’s that for alliteration?) This release features tunes by founding member Arto Järvelä played expertly by this 6-man band made up of 4 fiddles, a harmonium, and a bass. Crisp, toe-tapping and universally good. You can’t go wrong with any track – all instrumentals, good notes too.

*1. Mostly midtempo with sharp playing & a nicely liquid melody.
2. Toe-tapping waltz/schottish medley. Playful and catchy.
*3. Bright opening, somber middle, then trippingly upbeat.
4. Hints of Israeli folk, midtempo w/a dark, operatic quality. Picks up.
*5. Sweet, elegant tango w/a lush, rich quality.
6. Dramatic waltz w/a hint of menace yet strangely beautiful.
*7. Bright old-timey toe-tapper w/an American folk influence.
8. Downtempo, stately, almost formal but with a lovely melody.
*9. A big old “yee haw!” A happy polka w/lots of energy.
*10. A live swing track. Jazzy, cool, oh so fun. Applause at times.
Warning: it ends at 5:02 then silence, then at 8:30 a surprise track –
a sweet, midtempo dance w/hints of the classic “Love and Marriage.”