Katta ame aava? (Where Do We Come From?)

Finland has a small Roma community and a tango scene – both the music and the dance. So much so that Finnish tango is now quite distinct from that of Argentina. This lovely album from Hilja Grönfors, a female Roma folk singer, is quite a delight. Tango flavours abound across this album in a very Finnish manner – subtle accordion melodies carry the songs and a gentle tango rhythm underpins some tunes. There's none of the intense drama of Buenos Aires here; instead it's all more understated and Nordic. Grönfors sings largely traditional Finnish Roma songs – some of which she has adapted the lyrics for – alongside a handful of new songs by contemporary Finnish musicians. She has a high, gentle voice that's never demonstrative and very evocative. The musicians who back her play largely acoustic instruments with mandolin and accordion at the forefront, although a spot of effective vocal beatboxing is added. All do so with consummate skill, letting both singer and songs breathe. Where Do We Come From is an album that suits the dying days of summer, its relaxed pace and mournful nature suggesting a Europe where time passes slowly and the old traditions are valued.