Kardemimmit

The national instrument of Finland, the kantele is a traditional zither that is played by plucking the strings. The instrument is naturally delicate in tone, and ethereal in mood. Kardemimmit with their angelic soft vocals and dextrous touch on the strings bring the instrument to life on their innovative album Introducing Kardemimmit.

The quartet performs modern folk music, intertwining the songs of old with their own fresh compositions. They explore roots styles including reki-style singing, Perhonjoki valley style, and runo-song, and infuse the music with a new, quirky edge.

Maija, Jutta, Anna and Leeni met studying at a music school, and have played together ever since. Their seamless musicianship is testament to their ten years of collaboration. The talented ensemble has performed throughout Scandinavia and the USA. Introducing Kardemimmit is their first international release, and is set to spread their unique, folky brand further afield.

Introducing Kardemimmit opens with a spooky, mournful tune, ‘Tuonen Tyttö'. The traditional Finnish lyrics describe a maiden of death who rows in from sea to gather the souls of dead people. ‘Pakkasruusu’ is another lament, describing the fate of a girl whose sweetheart is a drunkard. This time alternating solo and chorus vocals adds depth and contour to the music. More upbeat tracks include the thoughtful instrumental interlude, ‘Ahven’, and ‘Huoleten Rakkauslaulu’. The latter of which translates as ‘Carefree Love Song’ and features a catchy chorus refrain. ‘Kaisla’ is a gentle lullaby composed by Jutta.

Introducing Kardemimmit is an accomplished album that oozes the quartet’s signature sensitive style. 

Song Information

01            Tuonen Tyttö (Maiden Of Death)
(music Maija Pokela/Jutta Rahmel/Anna Wegelius/Leeni Wegelius, words trad, arr Maija Pokela/Jutta Rahmel/Anna Wegelius/Leeni Wegelius)

02            Apeainen  (Blue Schottische)
(Anu Alviola, arr Maija Pokela/Jutta Rahmel/Anna Wegelius/Leeni Wegelius)

 03            Pakkasruusu (Frozen Rose)
(music Anna Wegelius, words trad, arr Maija Pokela/Jutta Rahmel/Anna Wegelius/Leeni Wegelius)

04            Ahven (Perch)
(Leeni Wegelius, arr Maija Pokela/Jutta Rahmel/Anna Wegelius/Leeni Wegelius)

05            El Niin Hiljaa (Silent Sunset)
(music Jutta Rahmel, words trad, arr Maija Pokela/Jutta Rahmel/Anna Wegelius/Leeni Wegelius)

06            Huoleton Rakkauslaulu (Carefree Love Song)
(music trad, words Anna Wegelius/Leeni Wegelius, arr Maija Pokela/Jutta Rahmel/Anna Wegelius/Leeni Wegelius /Roger Tallroth )

07            Polska Från Bandal (Polska From Railroad Valley)
(Jutta Rahmel, arr Maija Pokela/Jutta Rahmel/Anna Wegelius/Leeni Wegelius)

08            Risteys (Crossroads)
(Maija Pokela, arr Maija Pokela/Jutta Rahmel/Anna Wegelius/Leeni Wegelius)

09            Kaisla (Sea Rush)                
(Jutta Rahmel, arr Maija Pokela/Jutta Rahmel/Anna Wegelius/Leeni Wegelius)

10            Kantripolska (Country Polska)
(music Anna Wegelius/Maija Pokela, words trad, arr Maija Pokela/Jutta Rahmel/Anna Wegelius/Leeni Wegelius /Tellu Turkka)

 

Produced by Antti Järvelä

Engineered and mixed by Antti Järvelä
Mastered by Minerva Pappi, Finnvox 

Kardemimmit Maija Pokela, Jutta Rahmel, Anna Wegelius, Leeni Wegelius: playing 15- and 38-stringed kanteles and vocals

All songs published by Riverboat UK Music (MCPS)

Front cover shot courtesy of Jimmy Träskelin