Helsinki based electro-folk band Okra Playground was originally formed in 2010
from a shared wish to bring together excellent people and musician to play around traditional Finnish music with a fresh approach. The band became almost literally a musical playground for its musicians. On this playground the kantele and bowed lyre, both ancient folk instruments, coexist in a new, exciting symbiosis with modern instruments and soundscapes. The music resulting from the quite unusual interesting combination has roots deep in the Finnish soil, but its tallest branches spread out towards the furthest shores of world music. The strong voices of the three female singers, as well as the age-old lyrics, simultaneously take the listener to far-off places and close to home. Okra Playground’s fresh music captivates the listener with its hypnotic beat and mystical energy.
“This is one of the most exciting bands to come out of Finland in recent times.” (Songlines Magazine UK 122/2016)
01 - Kaunokieli
02 - Turmio
03 - Viivytysvirsi
04 - Viimatar
05 - Pakkasloitsu
06 - Hopeamorsian
07 - Tulen Synty
08 - Kun Mun Kultani Tulisi
09 - Sorsa
10 - Tuulen Tuoma
Päivi Hirvonen– vocals, fiddle, bowed harp jouhikko
Maija Kauhanen– vocals, kantele
Essi Muikku– vocals, kantele
Sami Kujala– electric bass
Veikko Muikku– accordion, synthesizer
Tatu Viitala– percussion