Gollehelmmot

This Finnish ensemble has its roots in the Sámi tradition. It seems to be a flourishing period for new Sámi bands keen to show that while they respect the legacy of people such as Mari Boine (Norway) or Wimme (Finland), they have their own influences and musical skills.

Anna Näkkäläjärvi-Länsman is the vocalist and composer; she is joined by some stars of the Finnish music scene, including accordionist Johanna Juhola, Janne Lappalainen (formerly of Värttinä) on bouzouki, guitar and sax, Sami Kurppa on keyboards and Ilkka Heinonen on bass. They work well together as an ensemble with a variety of textures and a beauty and clarity of sound showing great sensitivity to each other.

They inhabit a folk-pop world, but are most distinctive when the Sámi influences shine through. On the powerful, hymn-like ‘Sálbma’ Näkkäläjärvi-Länsman and Heinonen's vocals take on a much more raw edge with Lappalainen's bouzouki recalling the traditional sound of the Finnish kantele (zither). ‘Silbbat ja Gollit’ reminds us of the wit and playfulness of Värttinä-style vocals. These are tunes and songs in finely crafted pastel shades, with the occasional darker hue along the way.