Jorma Tapio & Terje Isungset — Aihki

Aihki is the first duo recording for Jorma Tapio, of Finland and Norway's Terje Isungset. Jorma Tapio is credited with flutes, bell, voice, kantele and percussion, and he is chiefly known for his woodwind work. Terje Isungset is a long established percussionist, known for making his own instruments. Recently, he released an album consisting of music made entirely from instruments fashioned entirely from ice.

This album seems to be completely improvised, and it's hard to pin a description on it, because it's quite unique. It definitely has elements of free-jazz, but it's informed by a tribal, Norse (and Finnish, I guess) myticism. You could make comparisons to the Fonal Records centered Finnish scene, but it's a bit more serious minded than that, and in some ways more exploratory.

The longer tracks, particularly the 21 and a half minute Salainen tuli/Secret Fire play like a journey into an icy woodland. This is improvisational music which for the most part doesn't just sit there. It sparks the imagination, and takes you along for an exhilarating ride.