Anatomy of a Murder

Soundtrack composed & performed by Duke Ellington

CD

Dig that crazy jazz! Set to the film classic, this album held its own even in a red-hot year (1959) already teeming with the creative genius of Miles Davis (Kind of Blue), Mingus Ah Um, and “Take Five.”

For info about the film, based on a sensational 1952 murder trial in Michigan's Upper Peninsula >>

Interesting 1959 trailer for the film,
including an appearance by Duke Ellington

Living Inna Northern Paradise

Performed by Conga Se Menne

CD

Conga Se Menne marches on majestically despite the loss of popular Les Ross, Jr. (son of the U.P.'s celebrated lumberjack harmonicist), a good friend who passed away at the dawn of 2004.

At the time, Les Jr. was making preparations to travel with me the very next month to FinnFest 2004 in Lake Worth, Florida.

Over the years I truly enjoyed meeting up with him and our mutual pal Larry Hoganson (another great musician) and others, typically up along Third Street in Marquette to share a few brews & stories—sporadic but very memorable encounters!

Reflections/Muistelmia

Finnish and Finnish-American Dance Tunes
Performed by Finn Hall

CD

For information about a Finn Hall Variety Show VHS,
see our Video section.

Finnish Mixtures Volume 1

Organ Music of Finland
Performed by Vicki Lundberg Gornick

CD

Blue Country Heart

Performed by Jorma Kaukonen

CD

Jorma Kaukonen’s Grammy-nominated CD from 2002 is indeed “country borrowed extensively from its across-the-railroad-tracks accomplice, the blues,” as stated in the recording’s own liner notes.

Jorma, a founding member of Jefferson Airplane who still carries on as half of the Hot Tuna duo, has also provided a number of “solo” gems over the years, including the new release featured below.

River of Time

Performed by Jorma Kaukonen

CD

Jorma Kaukonen’s latest was recorded in upstate New York and released by Red House Records of St. Paul, Minnesota—fifty melodious minutes evenly split between six Jorma originals and a down-home “roots” blend that ranges from Rev. Gary Davis to Merle Haggard to Mississippi John Hurt.

A Voi Voi! Karelian Fever!

Performed by Myllärit

CD

An absolute favorite of mine from a slew of recordings by this progressive rock band—check out the exhilarating title track, fabulous World Music from the White Sea region.

They’re also very personable cats that I (besides partying with in Florida during FinnFest 2004) was privileged to visit backstage in July 2002 as they readied for a Calumet Theatre performance. I was informed then that the winters back from where they come aren't nearly as nasty as those of the Copper Country(!!!).

Finnish Brass in America

Performed by Ameriikan Poijat, Boys of America
Directed by Paul Niemisto
Recorded in Minnesota at the Carleton College Concert Hall, December 1993

CD (released 1994)

For fans of the traditional sounds of Finnish & Finnish-American brass septets, newcomers curious about these styles, and brass-band enthusiasts eager to explore the distinctively Finnish-American contributions to the medium, this album will provide a quite welcome sampling.

To experience some of the sounds of this CD or place an order >>>.

Information about Cornets & Pickaxes, Paul Niemisto’s new book on the history of Finnish brass bands in Minnesota’s Iron Range >>>

Connections Finnish
Finnish Brass in America II

Performed by Ameriikan Poijat, Boys of America, and One Girl
Directed by Paul Niemisto
Recorded August 1996, St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN

CD (released 1997)

This second offering from the high-spirited, talented, and adventuresome Ameriikan Poijat takes its “connections” title from the fact that all of its music was either written or arranged by someone with Finnish connections (through heritage, marriage, and so forth). Listeners seeking the distinctive sounds of a Finnish American brass septet will surely find much to enjoy!

Includes detailed liner notes on the music in both English and Finnish.

To sample some of the sounds of this CD or place an order >>>.

Potpourri
Finnish Brass in America III

Performed by Ameriikan Poijat, Boys of America, and One Girl
with vocals by The Tango Queens
Directed by Paul Niemisto

CD (released 2004)

The eclectic selections on this third album from Ameriikan Poijat include centuries old Finnish originals, pieces from the band's concert repertoire, social dances, national anthems, the famous Porilaisten March, and collaborations with the Tango Queens.  It’s a collection designed “to be enjoyed for listening pleasure and for ceremonial occasions.”

To sample some of the sounds of this CD or place an order >>>.

Immigrants: Band Music of Finnish American Composers
Finnish Brass in America 4

Performed by Ameriikan Poijat, Boys of America, and One Girl
Directed by Paul Niemisto

CD (released 2009)

Twenty years of exploring the music of Finnish and Finnish-American brass septets have left Ameriikan Poijat eminently suited to showcase the work of bandmasters composing during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.  In this, their fourth, album, the band highlights that richly diverse cultural heritage by featuring an appealing and illuminating range of composing styles and musical moods.

Liner notes provide historical context for each track, as well as some Finnish lyrics with an English translation.

To sample some of the sounds of this CD or place an order >>>.

Songs & Hymns from the Polka Mass

Presented by Father Frank Perkovich

With Joe Cvek and his Orchestra
Resurrection Church in Eveleth, Minnesota

CD

You’ll find other items related to Father Perkovich and
the Polka Mass in our Video and Additional Titles section.