Ruthie Dornfeld, Petri Hakala, John Miller and Tapani Varis: Freshet

RUTHIE DORNFELD, PETRI HAKALA, JOHN MILLER AND TAPANI VARIS Freshet Orb 1006

It shouldn't really be a surprise that U.S. visits from Finland's folk luminaries would breed some cross pollenation with great traditional musicians in America. Still, this collaboration from two of Seattle's finest players (Dornfeld and Miller) with one half of the Helsinki Mandoliners (Hakala and Varis) arrives as a truly wonderful, eye-opening gift. The quartet delivers exquisite playing in the Dawg tradition on 14 selections ranging from traditional Finnish to a Venezuelan waltz mixed with original instrumentals from each member, and a classic Alakotila composition (Troka, JPP, Aldargaz) to fill things out.

Dornfeld is a masterful fiddler, always assured and fluid; Miller one of the most sought after old-time/bluegrass guitarists around. Among his many credits, Hakala's always solid mandolin was at the front of the classic Finnish outfit Ottopasuuna's debut (also the first of the new Finnish folk recordings to be released in the U.S.). Varis' bass has supported a veritable who's who of Finland's folk players. Together they show an amazing sympatico. It's as if these players have been working together for years, not the casual few weeks of combined meetings they've had. The great news is that this is bound to make new fans for each of these great players. If you love fiddle, guitar, mandolin and bass--if you love new acoustic music that draws heavily from a love of traditional tunes--this is the CD for you.

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