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Ahma

Artist: Maria Kalaniemi
Label: NorthSide
iTunes Link
Genre : Acoustic Instrumental Nordic Traditional World
Instruments : Accordion Accordion, 5-row accordion Bass, double bass Fiddle (violin) Guitar, acoustic Mandolin Piano
Geography : Finland
Label : Northside - http://www.noside.com
Description:
The queen of the 5-row accordion presents her third recording, Ahma, featuring the band Aldargaz: all top players from the Sibelius Academy Folk Music Department in Helsinki, Finland. Haunting tunes, passionate playing, and imaginative arrangements are what is in store.

Maria is firmly established as Finland's top contemporary accordionist and is recognized by many as one of the most exceptional players in the world. This is due to her astonishing technical skills, as master of the standard 5-row button accordion and free-bass 5-row button accordion, and as a sophisticated and individual composer. She creates works that are both intricate and complex yet sensitive and emotionally charged.

Here, she continues to be inspired by Finnish folk, jazz improvisations and the Argentinean tango. The program is a combination of originals, newly arranged traditional tunes and a tango, of course! It is interesting Maria selected the tango "Los Mareados" ("Huuma" in Finnish) composed by Juan Carlos Cobian in 1920. Cobian was also an innovator and led the way for a new style in tango emphasizing rich melodies and sophisticated arrangements.



Reviews
  • "Brilliant compositions, sensitive performances, Ahma is an ensemble work of depth and grace." ? Cliff Furnald, www.RootsWorld.com

  • "...this is not a simple album of squeezebox squishing by any means -- there is nothing hokey to be found here; instead, expect some magnificent playing from all parties involved." -- Steven McDonald, All Music Guide

  • "...erases the boundaries separating classical music, folk and jazz improvisation." -- sonicnet.com

  • "...holding it all together are the dancing buttons of Kalaniemi's accordion. Combined with the collaborative energy of Aldargaz, Ahma is a joyous example of the wonders of contemporary Finnish folk." -- CDNow

  • "...center stage belongs to Kalaniemi, and like the late Argentinian Astor Piazzolla, she has complete mastery of the accordion, easily collapsing the barriers between musical genres. Ahma is a lesson in modern music." -- Chris Nickson, amazon.com

  • "...the melodies are superb, almost multi-layered, needing more than one listen to hear everything going on behind the ears." -- www.musesmuse.com
Track List:
1 Ahma 4:06
2 Ängskär 6:04
3 Huuma (Los Mareados) 4:06
4 Kaamos (Polar Night) 4:20
5 Melos 4:20
6 Lovina 3:07
7 Nibe 3:28
8 Bingjö 3:27
9 Kamppi 1:45 MP3 Download
10 Namas 5:15
11 Nautilus 3:42
12 Arctic Paradise 4:10
Retail Price: $12.00
Price: $12.00
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