Eeppi Ursin prints her creative output on all opportunities

Singer-songwriter Eeppi Ursin has been a busy performer in Europe for some time. She has released two albums as a leader, and is singing as a sideman on a handful more. Her leader albums are well-covered in the media and played on the radio. Therefore a closer look at her sideman efforts maybe worthwhile.

Moomin in Finnish is a fairy-tale album on which she and Mirja Makela interpret Tove Jansson's fairy-tale stories in singing and reading. The music is far from regular children's music, a progressive combination of jazz, chamber group and vocal ensemble music. Whether this is for children at all is the question. Nevertheless, at least for adults, the album is enjoyable and offers plenty of surprises. Perhaps understanding the lyrics would further enhance the experience.

Songs of Finland compiles the music of this Scandinavian country with mood and singing. Space, relaxed atmosphere, as well as dance and festivities are present on this audible and very favorable representation of the spacious country with a small population.

A Lark in the Snowstorm is a truly puzzling creation of compositions by legendary tango composer Toivo Karki. Where the tango is present on this album is a bit unclear; perhaps the very creative arrangements and instrumentations have diluted the dramatic character of the originally Argentinian dance form. Stunning music no matter what.

Live at the Savoy is by Grupo Nuevo, an Argentinian-Russian-Finnish quintet, which primarily performs South American influenced jazz. This group indeed demonstrates fire as well as a sensitive approach to ballads. Wonderful bouncing songs, tight rapport of latin rhythms.

Suomalaisia Lauluja (Finnish songs), is somewhat similar to "A Lark", but here performed in a live setting. The band members have internalized the intricate modern arrangements of Karki's folky compositions. This version has all the advantages of a live concert, while the precision and details on "A Lark" is far superior.

Eeppi Ursin is at home with the core expression on all these albums. At least it sounds like she were a dedicated band member in all of them, rather than appearing as a "special guest artist." Her voice is straight and ultra-in-tune, which allows the other band members to go free-wheeling with their ideas and impulsive communication. Ursin is firm in what she does, she can't be thrown off. A vocalist, who is established as a singer-songwriter, is seldom able to adapt to "other jobs". This isn't merely a pleasant surprise to witness, but speaks for the kind of education which Ursin has received; apparently she just seldom utilizes any of it when appearing as a diva leader.