Kielo

I've been listening to the Finnish musician Kimmo Pohjonen for a number of years now, and he never fails to surprise and delight. If the word "accordion" makes you think only of Lawrence Welk and polka, then you owe it to yourself to listen to this accordionist and his wizardry. I especially like his album with Kronos Quartet, "Uniko," which offers a double-shot of outstanding inventive talents. The track titles do not, of course, give us English speakers much of a clue to what we should expect the music to sound like, but if you've listened to one or two of his albums you know you should just drop all expectations and just go for the ride. Speaking of double-whammies, Pohjonen's album with fellow accordionist Samuli Kosminen, "Kluster," really kicks butt. The two musicians feed and prod each other through every track. However, I'd say that his most revelatory album to date is "Sensitive Skin," a tour de force of traditional Scandinavian instruments, electronics, and voices. And, if you're open to adventurous accordion music, I highly recommend "Accordion Tribe," featuring Lars Hollmer, Maria Kalaniemi, Guy Klucevsek, and Otto Lechner, all playing various types of squeeze boxes, and each one accomplished solo artists.

01. Anastaja02. Kalmukki03. Emboli04. Saatto05. Kirkuna06. Kova07. Silmäys08. Kielo09. Sirpale10. Ammoin11. Koruna