• 1. Kostner Avenue Waltz (3:23)
• 2. Eliaan kirkonkellot - The Bells of Elias (4:54)
• 3. Salamahumppa - The Lightning Humppa (3:04)
• 4. Suruinen – Kind of Blue (3:31)
• 5. Pihlajanmarja - Rowanberry (3:52)
• 6. Hilseet pois! – No Moss! (2:44)
• 7. Taimela (4:14)
• 8. Kisavirsi – Swaying Tune (3:18)
• 9. Kantelepolska - Polska for Kantele (5:46)
• 10. Tuomi on virran reunalla - The Bird Cherry Tree Beside the Stream (4:07)
• 11. Pajalan kiirutta - Pajala Rush (3:09)
• 12. Polsketti (3:42)
• 13. Aarnion marssi - Aarnio's March (2:20)
• 14. Kultaneito - Golden Maiden (4:46)

Kostner Avenue Waltz (A. Järvelä)

Eliaan kirkonkellot - The Bells of Elias (H. Saha)

Imitating the sound of church bells was a vital element of the musical expression of ancient Karelian kantele players. The Bells of Elias echoes this tradition in Salamakannel's unique style.

Salamahumppa - The Lightning Humppa (A. Järvelä)

In Arto's Lightning Humppa, ancient Karelian dance moves blend with more modern Finnish dance rhythms and style.

Suruinen – Kind of Blue (A. Kettunen)

The emotions of a pelimanni, a traditional folk musician, by the shore of a Finnish lake as rain lashes the surface of the water.

Pihlajanmarja - Rowanberry (H. Saha)

Rowanberry is an atmospheric piece in the style of a Finnish folk song, where the singer first describes nature and then expresses her own feelings. The rowan tree, sacred and protective to Finns, plays a central role in this tradition. Salamakannel extends thanks to Finnish pop star Jonna Tervomaa for her wonderful interpretation.

The rowan berry is red, and the blueberry is dark as night. When I sing my song for you, it soothes my soul. / The fields of grain sway, soon to be harvested. The fire of love ignites when I see your graceful figure. / Sacred rowans stand in the yard, strength from them I draw. Sacred berries on the rowan tree, cherished by our affections. / No flower blooms more beautifully than your love within our home. There I shall plant a rowan tree, where peace and solace find their place. / A star twinkles in the sky, and the moon shines at night. Your affection gives me strength and dispels my moments of weakness.

Hilseet pois! – No Moss! (A. Järvelä)

Arto's reinländer dates back to 2017, with its name referencing the darts games during Salamakannel's sauna evenings.

Taimela (H. Saha)

Hannu has created musical tributes to the beautiful places he has lived. That’s why his current residence, the old family home Taimela, also deserved its own tune.

Kisavirsi – Swaying Tune (H. Saha)

Kisavirsi tunes were swift and flowing dance pieces, often long and improvisational, forming a central part of the music of ancient kantele players.

Kantelepolska - Polska for Kantele (A. Järvelä)

Arto's peaceful polska melody was originally composed for a 10-string kantele.

Tuomi on virran reunalla - The Bird Cherry Tree Beside the Stream (trad)

The Bird Cherry Tree Beside the Stream is one of the most cherished Finnish folk songs. The singer laments the departure of a beloved who has gone to distant lands, finding solace only in a bird cherry tree by the stream. Salamakannel is honored to have Finnish rock legend Ismo Alanko as the song’s emotional interpreter.

There is a bird cherry tree by the edge of the stream, where I once wept. My beloved departed to distant lands, leaving me on my own. / Death, conceal my tears and forever close my eyes. Be my companion, for I have been forsaken.

Pajalan kiirutta - Pajala Rush (A. Järvelä)

Pajala Rush is a polska that captures the calm, unhurried atmosphere of central Kaustinen.

Polsketti (H. Saha)

Originally, Polsketti was a polska for a 15-string kantele, performed in folk baroque style.

Aarnion marssi - Aarnio's March (trad)

Salamakannel has always included traditional Finnish pelimanni tunes in their repertoire. The wedding march by the famous Aarnio siblings comes from Humppila in Southwestern Tavastia (Häme).

Kultaneito - Golden Maiden (H. Saha)

In old Finnish Kalevala folk poems, a man forges a golden woman for himself after losing his spouse. However, the woman is hard and cold, lacking the warmth of a true companion. The JPP String Quartet explores this theme in their music.

ALBUM IV

Release date 18.10.2024
MBA059, FIMBA2400001 - FIMBA2400014
EAN: 0769577540370
Recorded live at the Villa Vikan Residence for Musicians, Raasepori, in November 2022
Recording: Antti Uusimäki/ Uzu Noir
Recording of the JPP String Quartet: Antti Järvelä, Jylhä Village Hall, Kaustinen, April 2024
Mixing: Antti Uusimäki and Hannu Saha, July-August 2024
Mastering: Antti Uusimäki/ Ambience Studios, August 2024
Album cover art: Jimmy Träskelin/ JRobert Design
Cover photos: Susanna Salokannel
Translations: Helena Grierson and Matthew Pardue
Producer: Hannu Saha
Executive producer: Jyri Lehtonen/ Bafe's Factory
Publisher: Bafe´s Factory, Helsinki (2024)

Photo on cover: Simberg, Hugo. HS Modeller 15. CC BY 4.0, Kansallisgalleria, finna.fi. Digitally colored by J. Träskelin. Photo on back cover: Artukan kylä. Public Domain, Turun museokeskus, finna.fi