Esko Linnavalli Sextet – Finnish Design

One of the best Finnish jazz albums from the top arranger and pianist Esko Linnavalli - on par with Esa Pethman's & Eero Koivistoinen's well known releases. If the similarly talented Swedish pianist/composer Jan Johansson had not died in the late 60's, he might have done this as "Jazz På Finska", even.
It's a real pity that this inspired, even groovy album has not been re-issued as yet.
It includes 70's style funky & jazzy adaptations of traditional Finnish polskas and quadrilles. But in my opinion they saved the best track for the last, Wedding Song is simply brilliant and beautiful ballad. Everyone in Finland knows this song mostly by its lyrics, but here instead we hear how it's actually a very jazz compatible song especially when you can hear it without the provocative and overtly melancholic lyrics. It's clearly reminiscent of Jan Johansson's best moments, such as Visa Från Utanmyra. Modal, moody and elegant.