Information (1972)
---3/25/11
On Jukka Hauru's debut album, Information, there's no doubt the major influence here - one of Frank Zappa, especially of the Hot Rats era. The same motif is applied: Silly bits of humor, an almost academic approach to chamber jazz, and shredding early 70s bluesy wah-wah guitar like the master himself. Hauru proves to be an exceptional student, and this album is a no-brainer for fans of the style.
---12/1/25
I first acquired this LP at the height of my deep diving into the European underground in the mid 90s, mail ordering records from there at a high rate. The review above represents my CDRWL blog listen. And now I'm hearing the album for only the 3rd time in 30 years, or close thereabouts. While making its debut into the UMR. No disagreements with my initial review. The album is inconsistent as noted above (mainly A3, B3, B5 and sections of A4), but for the most part Information is an excuse for Hauru to rip on the guitar. I like his nimble and jumpy playing style. A bit from the McLaughlin school with a bit less focus. Saxophone is another instrument that receives quite a bit of airplay. "Jupu" Poutanen's violin is also very prominent, and it's clear he's an equal participant to Hauru for the recording.
Ownership: 1972 Finnlevy (LP)
1996 (acquired); 3/25/11 (review); 12/1/25 (update)
Jukka Hauru & Superkings ~ Pop Liisa 02 (1973)
Finnish guitarist Jukka Hauru had two fine albums from the 70s (Information, Episode) before hanging up his music career for the writing pen. Both are still quite obscure due to a lack on any modern CD reissue (since rectified, albeit in small quantities). This all-instrumental live concert encapsulates perfectly the sound of both, most notably the raw and edgy Information. As I state on that review, it's quite apparent Hauru is influenced mightily by a one Frank Zappa, though for this live concert, the humor bits have been completely rubbed out. Other guideposts include Mahavishnu Orchestra and Weather Report.
In listening to this set, it probably would have been a better fit for the "Jazz Liisa" series. All the same, Hauru has just enough progressive rock sound and composition style to qualify for the genre. And one reason for this is violinist Juhani "Jupu" Poutanen, whose nickname would lead to another obscure band without a proper reissue: Jupu Group (also since reissued). A band that now also has a Pop Liisa concert available to purchase. Poutanen is one of the "Superkings", a made-up-on-the-spot moniker meant as a joke to counter the quintet being called by the local music press a "supergroup". So melodic and shredding violin with electric guitar define this kinetic set. It really is too bad Hauru called it a day, as he had some fiery chops to display. Keyboards and an agile rhythm section round out the ensemble.
Worth noting that opener 'Mai-Ling' appears to start in mid-jam form, but as it turns out, the first three minutes of the tape had been damaged, so they salvaged what they could. Also of note, both 'Twilight Time' and 'Angel' are previously unreleased tracks.
Ownership: 2016 Svart (CD). Booklet with liner notes. With Tasavallan Presidentti (Pop Liisa 01).
Finnish guitarist Jukka Hauru had two fine albums from the 70s (Information, Episode) before hanging up his music career for the writing pen. Both are still quite obscure due to a lack on any modern CD reissue (since rectified, albeit in small quantities). This all-instrumental live concert encapsulates perfectly the sound of both, most notably the raw and edgy Information. As I state on that review, it's quite apparent Hauru is influenced mightily by a one Frank Zappa, though for this live concert, the humor bits have been completely rubbed out. Other guideposts include Mahavishnu Orchestra and Weather Report.
In listening to this set, it probably would have been a better fit for the "Jazz Liisa" series. All the same, Hauru has just enough progressive rock sound and composition style to qualify for the genre. And one reason for this is violinist Juhani "Jupu" Poutanen, whose nickname would lead to another obscure band without a proper reissue: Jupu Group (also since reissued). A band that now also has a Pop Liisa concert available to purchase. Poutanen is one of the "Superkings", a made-up-on-the-spot moniker meant as a joke to counter the quintet being called by the local music press a "supergroup". So melodic and shredding violin with electric guitar define this kinetic set. It really is too bad Hauru called it a day, as he had some fiery chops to display. Keyboards and an agile rhythm section round out the ensemble.
Worth noting that opener 'Mai-Ling' appears to start in mid-jam form, but as it turns out, the first three minutes of the tape had been damaged, so they salvaged what they could. Also of note, both 'Twilight Time' and 'Angel' are previously unreleased tracks.
Ownership: 2016 Svart (CD). Booklet with liner notes. With Tasavallan Presidentti (Pop Liisa 01).
9/17/16 (acquired / review)
Also own and need to review Episode.
9/17/16 (new entry)
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