"The harmonica has been important instrument for Finnish folk players since 1850's. Besides traditional Finnish harmonica style SVÄNG takes influences of music from all around the world: The unique sounding quartet plays Finnish tango and folk music, but takes also influences of groovy Balkan-style, Swedish hambo as well as old time-fiddle dance tunes or rag time. Big part of the repertuar is original works by the band members.
The combining element in this unique mixture of styles is the original groove created by the rare chord harmonica Harmonetta and the ultimate low bass harmonica. On the swinging groove the two virtuoso soloists create rich melodies with their diatonic and chromatic harmonicas with a strong, improvising attitude and joy of playing!
The aim of SVÄNG is to give a new life to the extraordinary sound of harmonica band with music that has not been played on this kind of band before. The debut cd of SVÄNG has successfully captured the fascinating feel of their energetic live performances."
(CD Baby)
Eero Turkka: chromatic and diatonic harmonicas
Eero Turkka got interested in blues harp as a little boy and ended up studying in Sibelius Academy. Besides harmonica he plays several other ethnic instruments and sings in multiple bands, including Turkka & Paalanen, Äijä, Trepaanit and Cedip Tur. Eero has graduated from Sibelius Academy in 2006.
Eero Grundström: chromatic and diatonic harmonicas
Eero Grundström is finalizing his studies in Sibelius Academy. He is also a multi-instrumentalist, composer and true improvisation wizard and has worked in all musical fields including free improvisation, theatre, circus, rock, jazz and modern. Apart from harmonica, Eero plays harmonium and other keyboards. His other projects are Spontaani Vire, Iso Karhu and Von & Af.
Jouko Kyhälä: chord harmonica “Harmonetta”, chromatic and diatonic harmonicas
Dr. Kyhälä graduated from Sibelius Academy folk music department in 1999 as the first to major harmonica. He completed his post gradate studies and became the first Doctor of Harmonica Arts in April 2007.
Kyhälä has multiple musical capacities having worked with folk, jazz, pop, improvisation and modern dance projects as a composer, musician, performer, etc. Kyhälä plays keyboards and harmonica in over 20 albums. His other projects include Markku Lepistö & co, Pekka Lehti & Outo Voima.
Pasi Leino: bass harmonica
Pasi Leino is the most senior member of the band. He worked several years with a best known Finnish harmonica trio/quartet “Raimo Sirkiä”. This trio was active almost 10 years between 1980 and 1990. They were victorious in 1994 Trossingen harmonica festival.
Tracklist:
1. Schengen 5:57
2. Eksyneen Tango 4:34
3. Eeron Ja Nedan Häävalssi 4:39
4. Niilon Polska 4:46
5. Naskon Rakija 6:05
6. Jeppo! 4:31
7. Kyytiläinen 5:24
8. Impivaara 7:44
9. Karja-la 9:01