Jimi Tenor ‎– Europa

Originally released in 1995 on the cult Säkhö label. Warp rerelease this weird corny lounge classic.

This was Tenor's second Puu-release. Before these he had already been active for several years in the Finnish music circles with his band, the Shamans. Earlier material was a some sort of a blend of noisy mechanical sounds, rock beat and electronic instruments. He made three albums with The Shamans, before changing style.

Europa finds Jimi in an relaxed, somewhat ironic and inpired mood. At the time of release, acid jazz was starting it's succesful if shortlived career, and Europa has some acid jazz elements, luckily executed in a lot more inspirational way than, let's say, Brand New Heavies. The subtle humor does also help to make this a classic.

On Europa we have loungy moods with relaxed grooves mixed with furious sax, flute and keyboard solos. The melodies are strong and very memorable, and each song has it's significant feeling. Solos are fine, if not brilliant. Tenor had studied some jazz, and played in a few jazz orchestras, but isn't quite as fluent and inspired in his solos as one could desire. Never the less, in this context they do the trick just fine. Rhythms are programmed well, and the ruff, old sounds give the record the atmosphere of an old soviet booze-cruiser's lounge-bar, which it deserves!

Enough! Check it out yourself.