Album Notes

Finnish natives Jaana Kantola and Paula Jaakkola lead the world music ensemble, Kaiku, based in New York City and they follow up their debut album with Usva.
The 11 tracks on Usva are all Kaiku original compositions and were generally inspired by a reflection on lives as women coming out of a dreamy youth and drinking in an illuminated self awareness. While the album is mainly in their native Finnish tongue, there are several songs in English with swirls of other languages including Spanish (“Anhelo”) and French (“Illusions”).
The music of Usva appeals to a broader audience, but old diehard fans will still find moments of spirited folklore that offer interesting juxtapositions to other more contemplative ones. Catchy melodies on this album stay in your ear and replay throughout the day alluring you to wander through and beyond your own memories and thoughts of longing and acceptance.