Dalindèo

CINEMATIC BOSSA NOVA

When listening to the Helsinki based sextet Dalindèo one's mind might easily drift in the eternally cool world of, say Antonio Carlos Jobim and John Barry. There are the bossa nova elements; mellow guitar, airy strings and most importantly the strong melodies that you want to whistle to. There's also a certain cinematic quality and you might almost picture the scene in a sixties film where "Leviathan" is playing at the background.

Before we get too nostalgic and retro here it must be stressed that this is contemporary music and the very sound of now. This is not "lounge" or your average "chill out" nonsense, on the contrary. Dalindèo's aim is to bring back the freshness, lightness, beautiful compositions and rhythmic textures of the era and combine it with modern approach. And this is where the producer Tuomas Kallio steps in. Kallio, well known and highly respected man behind The Five Corners Quintet and Nuspirit Helsinki, has been involved with the band ever since their first single release "Poseidon" and has been a big influence in shaping the sextet's sound.

THE BAND AND THE VOCALIST

All the compositions and the brilliant arrangements are by the guitarist Valtteri Pöyhönen who started the band in 2003. All the other members have been around since then and that is something one can hear listening to "Open Scenes"; the band plays well and the musicianship is top notch. Quite soon after their first gig and demo, Dalindèo was signed to Ricky-Tick Records and they have released two critically acclaimed maxi-singles "Poseidon" (2005) and "Go Ahead, Float" (2006) that introduced their unique dance floor friendly and more club oriented side. As a live act the band has gained reputation as a tight and groovy performer and when they are on stage, there's a guaranteed party going on.

"Open Scenes" also features a guest vocalist, Japanese Michiko who has lived in Finland for some time now. She is a singer in the second generation as her mother was a songstress too. Her input on "Non-Stop Flight", "Empty Fruits" and "Tsunami" is sweet and her tender voice might lead the listeners yet again to the time of a certain Astrud Gilberto.