Jupu Group ~ Finland

Ahmoo! (1975)

Ahmoo! is a heavy instrumental progressive fusion with violin being the centerpiece - to be expected given the band is his nickname. There's also quite a bit of guitar / electric piano / Moog interplay. The title track seems promising but unfortunately features a dull drum solo one must endure. Typical mid 70s fusion, that was all the rage at the time. Similar to other European acts like Pumpkin, Pop Workshop, Napalis, Energy, and Ex Ovo Pro. And of course the progenitors of the jazz fusion movement: Return To Forever and Weather Report.

Ownership: 1975 Hi-Hat (LP)

1996 (LP acquired); 1//09 (review); 5/14/17 (update)

Jazz Liisa 05 (1974 / 2016)

Jupu Group's contribution to the Jazz Liisa sessions is a good one. Lead by violinist Juhani (Jupu) Poutanen, the jazz rock flavor of the day is once again clearly informed by Mahavishnu Orchestra. Considerably rawer than their studio album that was to surface one year later, the listener will be treated to the rough and ready jazz rock sound of classic early 70's Miles Davis (no trumpet though) with Jean-Luc Ponty guesting on violin. Closing number 'Lokki' sounds like an outtake from any number of Soft Machine's 1971 concerts, with its raw fuzz bass and soprano saxophone leads. It's a bit loose in places, as to be expected from a live improvisation such as this. Overall, if the name Jerry Goodman gets your heart started, then most assuredly you will not want to miss Jupu Group's Jazz Liisa 05 album.

---12/28/25

Not much to add here. I'll just mention that the longest track 'Cybele' is also my favorite, given its mellow nature with violin, flute, and electric piano.

Ownership: 2016 Svart (CD). Booklet with historical liner notes. Includes Jukka Linkola Octet Jazz Liisa 06.

11/6/16 (acquired / review); 12/28/25

11/6/16 (new entry)