Ottopasuuna was a Finnish folk music ensemble that mixed their country's traditional music with forms from elsewhere in Europe, played with unconventional instruments.[1]

Ottopasuuna
OriginHelsinki, Finland
GenresFolk music
Years active1990s
LabelsTexicalli, Xenophile
Past membersPetri Hakala
Kurt Lindblad
Kimmo Pohjonen
Kari Reiman

History

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Ottopasuuna was formed in the early 1990s by Petri Hakala (mandolin, octave mandolin, guitar, fiddle), Kurt Lindblad (flute, bagpipe), Kimmo Pohjonen (accordion), and Kari Reiman (fiddle; also a member of Värttinä).[2] By 1994, Lindblad had been replaced by Kristiina Ilmonen (whistles, flute, Irish flute) and Janne Lappalainen (bass clarinet, bazouki).[2] Many of the band members were previously part of Finland's Sibelius Academy.[3]

The band is primarily associated with contemporary Finnish folk music and its influences include "the Finno-Ugrian world (...) dance tunes and melodies from Estonia, Ingria, Ostrobothnia (...) and Karelia."[4] Hakala, in particular, has been recognized for his ability to master multiple instruments and is described as "one of the finest players around" in folk and rock traditions of Finland.[2]

In 1991, Ottopasuuna released a critically acclaimed self-titled album through Green Linnet Records.[5][6] It was the first Finnish folk album to be released internationally.[7]

Discography

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  • Suokaasua (1996)

Members

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  • Petri Hakala – guitar, mandocello, mandolin
  • Kurt Lindblad – clarinet, flute, whistle
  • Kimmo Pohjonen – harmonica, marimba, melodion
  • Kari Reiman – fiddle

References

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  1. ^ "Ottopasuuna | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Peltoniemi, Kip (6 January 1994). "Making the Finnish music scene; Kansa ja Kallio". The Finnish American Reporter. 18. Hancock: Finlandia University.
  3. ^ Ottopasuuna - Ottopasuuna | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic, retrieved 18 January 2021
  4. ^ "Reviews (Finland)". Scandinavian Review. 82–83. American Scandinavian Foundation: 86. 1994.
  5. ^ Sawyers, June. "Ottopasuuna Ottopasuuna (Green Linnet)". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  6. ^ MultiCultural Review. Dedicated to a Better Understanding of Ethnic, Racial, and Religious Diversity. Vol. 2. Westport, CT: GP Subscription Publications. 1993.
  7. ^ "Petri Hakala: CoMando Guest of the Week". mandozine.com. Retrieved 18 January 2021.