Jussi Syren & The Groundbreakers put the edge back to bluegrass!
Liner notes by Bob Mitchell:
The group came to my attention on a European World of Bluegrass recording.
Jussi Syren & The Groundbreakers live in Finland, a long way from Bill Monroe's home in Kentucky. But, make no mistake, they understand and are committed to the essential elements of traditional bluegrass: lots of drive, tight harmonies, first rate musicianship, and lyrics that are not overpowered by unnecessary showmanship. To insure a more traditional and natural sound, this new project was recorded live on tape - with no overdubs.
Their sound is comparable to Red Allen and The Kentuckians, and the Lilly Brothers.
Jussi says, "That´s because we played a lot in bars and honky-tonks , just as they did.... It´s a noisy environment and you have to be loud and hard driving.
The group is anchored by Syren's distinctive vocals and mandolin styling.
Tauri Oksala contributes driving, impressive banjo, finger picking guitar, and harmony vocals. J.P. Putkonen contributes a steady guitar and harmony vocals. Kari Hella lends a rock solid upright bass and bass vocals. Guests include Nelli Ikola on fiddle and Marko Vanhatalo on dobro.
Highlights include "Roses Are Blooming," a lively instrumental "Southern Lady, "Hundred Proof Heartache," and a poignant "Walk Slowly Darling."
"Shave and Haircut" is a follow up to the band's successful release, "From Vyborg to L.A." The Groundbreakers are a dedicated hard working band and it is a pleasure to be able to include their music on my program.
Track listing:
1. 100 Proof Heartaches ( Jimmie Logsdon )
2. Roses Are Blooming ( Doc Williams )
3. Springtime Is Near ( Jussi Syren )
4. Lost ( Buzz Busby-Cindy Davis )
5. Southern Lady ( Tauri Oksala )
6. Walk Slowly Darling (Ralph Bowman-Hylo Brown )
7. When The Flowers Bloom In Dixie (Jussi Syren)
8. Secret Of The Waterfall ( Jake Landers )
9. Big Man ( Ken Clark )
10. Forgotten Grave ( Ray Anderson )
11. Down At The Opry ( David Akeman )
12. My Tears Don´t Show ( Carl Butler )
13. Tragedy Of Lake Bodom ( Jussi Syren )