Laivalla is a statement on the loveliness and madness of our time.
The inimitable Mopo – composed of Linda Fredriksson, Eero Tikkanen and Eeti Nieminen – and singer Ville Leinonen join forces on a new album that is both approachable and thought-provoking.
Laivalla features songs that came together through pressure-free teamwork. This is no surprise despite the seeming disparity of the collaborators: Mopo may well be a messenger of punk-jazz whereas Leinonen’s home lies in the sphere of bohemian folk, but both are known for their captivating stage presence and fearless surrendering to the creative impulse.
Fusing folk, pop, jazz and psychedelic rock, the album offers a musical report of life on planet earth in 2016. The zeitgeist, characterised by rapid change, fills so many of us with fear and unease. Who is it that steers this ship? Is there anything to be done? What can one person possibly do? How to keep one’s head above the water?
“Laivalla is a cry for help. But at the same time it is a cry of joy. We are calling out for you to live and love; to pass every good thing on. We are calling out for you to cherish the beauty of life. Despite the madness of the times, there is still hope: where there’s love, there is hope,” say Mopo and Leinonen.
The album is produced by percussionist Abdissa “Mamba” Assefa, recorded by Joonas Saikkonen and released by Texicall Records.
Album lauch tour:
18 May Suisto, Hämeenlinna
19 May Telakka, Tampere
20 May Kuudes Linja, Helsinki
21 May Dynamo, Turku
17 Jul Pori Jazz, Pori
20 Jul Tuba, Oulu
21 Jul Ruiskuhuone, Raahe
23 Jul Jättömaa, Kouvola
Mopo & Ville Leinonen
Ville Leinonen – vocals, guitar
Linda Fredriksson – saxophones
Eero Tikkanen – double bass
Eeti Nieminen – drums
Laivalla
1. Kuka tätä laivaa ohjaa? / 2. Älä hämää elämää / 3. Maan lapset / 4. Masussa potkii /
5. Naapurille / 6. Metsän kuningas / 7. Purppuraa / 8. · · · – – – · · ·
9. Pienen pieni pyyntö
Compositions, lyrics and arrangements: Mopo and Ville Leinonen
A union of three gifted young jazzers, Mopo draws their inspiration from jazz, punk and nature. For Mopo, composition is an organic and collective process where there is always room for surprises. The group won the Jazz Emma Award for their second album, Beibe (2014), and has been noted in international jazz circles increasingly. Their debut, Jee!, came out in 2012, and they are currently working on their third effort, which is to be released next year.
Ville Leinonen first came to attention as the vocalist and figurehead for group Valumo, specialising in schlager-influenced pop ditties. Hitting the jackpot with his new takes on Finnish classics of the 70s and 80s, he has been quick to regenerate through diverse musical projects ranging from Slavic folk songs and stage musicals to avant-garde and psychedelic rock. He has released thirteen albums, the newest of which came out last year. He is currently finishing his new solo album.
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www.texicallirecords.com