Johanna Juhola - Diivan J�ljet - Shadow Of A Diva

Whether performing solo, with her Reaktori band, duos with Milla Viljamaa and Timo Alakotila or Las Chicas del Tango, Johanna Juhola is the undisputed star of Finland's tango and accordion scene. Folkworld 2013 (Music review of Johanna Juhola: 'Fantasiatango')Starting with her three solo albums, Finnlands innovative accordion player Johanna Juhola developed a remarkable fantasy Tango style: blending Tango music with Finnish folklore and combining electronic sounds with acoustic instruments. The result are instrumental tunes that establish full visual and narrative power without needing any vocals. 'Diivan j�ljet', Juholas new album, upholds this tradition - however the Finnish artist continuously works on defining and refining her very own musical style which is based on humour and heartiness � both of which strongly mark Juholas style of making music. Her tunes have wonderful rhythms, but also meditative, peaceful elements, embraced by energetic acoustic elements. 'Diivan j�ljet' is an album that does not have one big theme, one overarching topic, but which is based on various inspirations, making it a beautiful, wide-ranging musical journey. 'Road Assistance' for example was born, when the band's car had a breakdown on snow-covered, Norwegian streets. While waiting for the towing service, the musicians picked up their instruments and got started. The title tune 'Diivan j�ljet' features rapper Tommy Lindgren and singer Yona: They tell the story of a Diva who is living in a fairyland of a bygone era. 'Sottiisi Tillsammans' was inspired by the idea to bring together a mixed group of people, united in their interest in folk music, as for example singer Emma Salokoski or violinist Tero Hyv�luoma, both to be heard in this track. 'Tanhutrauma' is the only song on this album based on a traditional melody. Juhola wrote the song in honour of her uncle, a composer who led a folklore dance group in her childhood and who triggered Juholas interest in learning and playing the accordion. This, in the end, was the impulse for her musical career. The mixing and production of the album was, next to Juhola herself, laid in the hands of Tuomas Norvio who had already worked with bands such as Rinneradio, Wimme, Ismo Alanko, Kimmo Pohjonen and Circo Aereo. The album was recorded with musicians from Juholas live bands Johanna Juhola Trio and Johanna Juhola Reaktori. With this ensemble the album was presented live in Helsinki last November. Being present were Milla Viljamaa (piano, vocals), Sara Puljula (contrabass, vocals) and Tuomas Norvio (electronic instruments), performing with Juhola in the band Reaktori, but also guitar player Roope Aarnio aund percussionist Juuso Hannukainen, all of them instrumentalists belonging to the Finnish elite of musical virtuosity.