Alamaailman Vasarat
Huuro Kolkko
A Finnish explorer from the early 1900's, Huuro Kolkko was never recognized by his fellow scientists but nevertheless rambled many continents on his own. During his travels, he made extensive studies of local cultures, drew maps of areas never visited by man and collected specimens of insects, flora and wild life. Late spring 2008, hugely inspired by Huuro Kolkkos travels and heritage, Alamaailman Vasarat decided to make a concept album based on his journeys. During pre-production period summer and early autumn 2008, the band leader and woodwind player Stakula composed most of the music, made early arrangements and planned the concept album from start to finish, all based on Huuro Kolkkos journals and notes. Once again the instrument palette was expanded from the previous albums. The latest addition was a roaring beast called Tubax, a contrabass saxophone with an unbelievable range, tone and versatility. Built by German instrument builder Benedikt Eppelsheim specifically for Stakula, Tubax has made a lasting impression on people whove heard and seen it alive. On this album, both her aggressive energy and gentleness are immortalized for the first time in the bands history. In addition to Tubax, the cellist Marko Manninen debuted as a Theremin artist with a self-made, oddly fish-shaped instrument which wails hauntingly in the opening track. Like many times before, Alamaailman Vasarat explored various music styles, orchestrations and recording techniques during the whole artistic process. Some songs were recorded fully alive with the whole band in one hall while some tracks required careful arranging and testing of various orchestrations in the tracking stage before the final form was revealed.