FINNFOREST - FINNFOREST ANDLAHTO MATKALLE - 1975 & 1976

FINNFOREST were formed in the mid-70's by Finnish brothers Pekka (guitar, bass) and Jussi Tegelman (drums) with synthesizer and keyboard player Jukka Rissanen. Mostly influenced by the MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA, their style also evokes early CAMEL, FINCH and CARAVAN. Their music is characterized by energetic and spirited guitar/organ interplay, interesting compositions and very good vintage 70's jamming overall. Unlike many fusion bands of that era, their (3) albums have a very under-produced, spontaneous feel.

Their eponymous album, released in 1975, is perhaps their most MAHAVISHNU influenced, with Rissanen sticking largely to his Hammond organ and using his synths sparingly, to mostly good effect. "Läthö Matkalle" (76), considered their best effort, boasts the contribution of two extra keyboard players, an additional bassist and a string quartet. You'll sense both a MAHAVISHNU and WEATHER REPORT influence on this one, which contains some mighty fine guitar work as well as some very good compositions. "Demon Nights" (79), with its two saxophonists and additional guitarist, has an even more fusion feel, with the WEATHER REPORT influence looming larger than ever, perhaps even a bit too much (some cuts come dangerously close to plagiarism).

Fusion afficionados in general as well as fans of FOCUS and ARTI E MESTIERI should definitely check these guys out, particularly the album "Läthö Matkalle".
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