Loituma is a young quartet who combine the Finnish vocal tradition with the exquisite sounds of the kantele (Finnish harp). At ease with four-part unaccompanied vocals as well as four-part kantele instrumentals, Loituma were selected Band of the Year at the 1997 Kaustinen Folkmusic Festival.
Loituma’s initial incarnation was in the fall of 1989 as a septet called Jäykkä Leipä (‘Stiff Bread’), born in the hallowed halls of the Sibelius Academy Folk Music Department. The original lineup included singers Sanna Kurki-Suonio and Tellu Paulasto, who later left for Sweden to join Hedningarna. Anita Lehtola is now a member of Hedningarna, as well.
Over the years, the group has persistently followed its own musical path, skillfully applying different musical influences to its music. It has bravely dived into musical streams of diverse origins. One of the cornerstones of Finnish folk music is the art of singing. Stories and feelings are best conveyed through this instrument. The songs convey the Finnish heritage, aided in the background by Martti Pokela and Toivo Alaspää. Another cornerstone of Loituma is the Kantele, which rings in a splendid and varied way on this recording. Iron and silver clink, rye and wheat bloom side by side.
