Pekka Pylkkänen

Finnish woodwind specialist Pekka Pylkkanen proposes that opaque qualities embody the music presented on this 2001 release. Here, the Tube Factory sextet melds Afro-Cuban and Brazilian rhythms with variable crosscurrents and softly stated patterns, for a set consisting of congenial melodies atop a thoroughly contemporary sound. On the duet piece titled "Black Pearl," Pylkkanen's airy flute work hovers above acoustic pianist Samuli Mikkonen's articulately rendered niceties, whereas the band also institutes march-style beats and lilting harmonies amid an altogether jovial outlook. And while Pylkkanen's 1999 release, Pekka's Tube Factory, might prove to be a little more electrifying in spots, the leader does exhibit more of his laudable chops to complement a series of rhythmically charged arrangements. Otherwise, the folks at Naxos Jazz continually pursue superior audio engineering. Hence, an attribute that is irrefutably evident on this fine outing. ~ Glenn Astarita, All Music Guide
- All Music Guide

An appropriately haunted atmosphere permeates Opaque (Naxos 86068-2), the elegantly crafted release from Pekka Pylkkänen's Tube Factory, which calls for repeat listenings to unwrap its many layers. The Finnish wind-specialist Pylkkänen leads a tight sextet through moody, atmospheric pieces that explore with a purpose. ... As accomplished musicians as these are, the human element is always present- touchstone on the mournful but beautiful "Lumi" and a vivid theme in the intertwined layers of "The Picture of Dorian Gray", an evocative take on the beauty ans sadness of twisted desire. Lightertoned tunes, like the ringing bells and ethereal , distant melody of "Balinese Wedding Song", are equally haunting. Thoughout, the Tube Factory twists influences into original inspirationm from the dark jazz of "TomCat", to the wandering sweetness in the light, Brazilian-gaited flute melody of "Hilipata." - Jazz Times/Hilarie S. Grey

Pekka Pylkkänen is among the jazz elite in his native Finland. A stalwart member of the fabled UMO Jazz Orchestra, Pylkkanen shows his crafty wares on his solo debut for Naxos Jazz. On Pekka's Tube Factory, the multi-reedman displays a fine compositional pen, expressive, accomplished technical skills and a keen ear for arranging....
"Fungi" is one of the highlights! Drummer, Marko Timonen commences with a military style march roll on snare drum as Pylkkanen's gorgeous, rich melodic soprano sax work converges in unison with Kantonen's equally melodic chord progressions. "Fungi" boasts wonderful lyricism, clear and concise thematic movements and progresses amiably as a mini-suite. Pekka Pylkkanen is a major talent as Pekka's Tube Factory, given the right exposure should open up some ears and eyes here in the States. Pylkkanen is an adept technician yet his most proficient skills lie within his articulate gift of creating multi-textural compositions and arrangements. These 6-9 minute songs have a lot to offer through clever, skillful soloing, tight as a drum ensemble work but most of all, the often rare faculty to effectively convey a story or two through music. This one is a gem! - All About Jazz/Glenn Astarita

Finnish woodwind specialist Pekka Pylkkanen proposes that opaque qualities embody the music presented on this 2001 release. Here, the Tube Factory sextet melds Afro-Cuban and Brazilian rhythms with variable crosscurrents and softly stated patterns, for a set consisting of congenial melodies atop a thoroughly contemporary sound. On the duet piece titled "Black Pearl," Pylkkanen's airy flute work hovers above acoustic pianist Samuli Mikkonen's articulately rendered niceties, whereas the band also institutes march-style beats and lilting harmonies amid an altogether jovial outlook. And while Pylkkanen's 1999 release, Pekka's Tube Factory, might prove to be a little more electrifying in spots, the leader does exhibit more of his laudable chops to complement a series of rhythmically charged arrangements. Otherwise, the folks at Naxos Jazz continually pursue superior audio engineering. Hence, an attribute that is irrefutably evident on this fine outing. ~ Glenn Astarita, All Music Guide - All Music Guide

Pekka´s Tube Factory
Pekka Pylkänen (Naxox Jazz)
By Glenn Astarita

Pekka Pylkkänen pertenece a la elite del jazz de su Finlandia natal.
Es miembro honorífico de la UMO Jazz Orchestra. Pylkkanen muestra sus astutas ondulaciones en sus debut solista para Naxox Jazz. En Pekka´s Tubes Factory, el multi-vientista despliega una fina composición, gran expresividad, demuestra herramientas altamente dúctiles y un gran oído para los arreglos.
“Akseli and the 11th dream” abre este encuentro mientras que provee una indicación de cosas que vendrán.
Pylkkanen y sus amigos proveen al escucha con un sonido refrescante y contemporáneo, sin ser del todo empalagoso o sobre producido. Aquí los placenteros arreglos y satisfactorios trasfondos maduros con síntesis punzantes, del pianista Seppo Cantonen, enredan paredes junto al airoso trabajo del saxo alto de Pylkannen, liviano como una pluma. Esta pieza es afable y emite una sensación de confort o bienestar mientras que el astuto arreglo y su ajustado ensamble conceden vibraciones positivas ahora y siempre. “The strawberry tree” esta construido alrededor de ricas armonías y melodías sólidas. El fraseo lírico del saxo soprano de Pylkkanen y la coordinación cool del teclado de Kantinen coordinan bien mientras la sólida sección rítmica es meticulosa pero liviana.

“Fungi” es uno de los muchos puntos culminantes del álbum! El baterista Marko Timonen comienza con una marcha estilo militar en el tambor mientras que el trabajo melódico, rico y magnífico del saxo de Pylkkänen converge al unísono con las progresiones de acordes igualmente melódicas de Kantonen. “Fungi” destella maravilloso lirismo, claro y conciso en los agregados intelectuales que le dan una atmósfera etérea a un motivo calmo y emocional. Hacia el final, Marko Timone hace un solo de batería virtuoso y muy musical. En “See how she sleeps”, escuchamos mas magnificas melodías que Pylkkänen toca en la flauta junto con un fino trabajo del ensamble, como es habitual por supuesto, que lleva este romance a través de variadas y excitantes fases y transiciones. Es una perfecta evidencia del enfoque variado de Pylkkänen como compositor y arreglador, mientras desborda de lucidos pensamientos imaginativos.

Pekka Pylkkänen tiene un gran talento con Pekka´s Tube Factory, y dándole una promoción correcta debería abrir algunas orejas y ojos aquí en los Estados Unidos.
Pylkkänen tiene una gran técnica, pero su mejor habilidad yace en su don para hacer composiciones multi-texturadas y arreglos.
Estos temas de 6-9 minutos tiene mucho que ofrecer por los astutos y habilidosos solos, pero más que nada, la facultad poco frecuente de transmitir efectivamente una historia o dos a través de la música. ¡Este es una gema! ****1/2

Web: www.hhh.com

Personal: Pekka Pylkännen; Saxos, Flautas, Clarinete bajo, Lao Reed & Organ de boca; Pekka Luukka; Guitarras; Seppo Kantonen; Teclados, Piano; Hannu Rananen; Bajo; Marko Timonen; Batería; Tapio “Mongo” Aalyonen; Percusión.

Todas las composiciones son de Pekka Pylkkänen

- All About Jazz/Glenn Astarita/Spanish version

No, this is not music for vacuum tube aficionados; nor with an album title like Opaque is it specifically for audiophiles at all! It's unclear how the tube factory bit fits in here, except that young Helsinki jazzman Pylkkanen plays in addition to saxophones several different sorts of flutes, including Indian flutes. And flutes are, after all, tubes. His sextet also includes guitars, keyboards, electric and acoustic bass, drums and percussion. The Opaque idea refers to a darkness of harmonies and timbres favored by the group, probably due to weather and light conditions in their part of the world. Some of the tunes - all composed by Pylkkanen - show a dark side. One is Black Pearl and another was inspired by the mood of Wilde's horror story The Picture of Dorian Gray. The Brazilian-leaning Hilipata is the brightest of the bunch to balance moods. Pekka compares some of his minor-key writing to Tchaikovsky. He certainly maintains a very individual and always interesting sound. Tracks: Donnerwetter, Wallaby's Dance, Lumi, TomCat, Black Pearl, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Balinese Wedding Song, Hilipata, Un Trou Dans la Boue.

- John Henry - Audiophile Audition

06年11月26日　　リアル＆トゥルー・ライヴ・シリーズ

　フィンランドからサックスのペッカ・ピルカネン率いるカルテット＝チューブ・ファクトリー(TF)が来日。「新宿ピットイン」の2日目を観た。ファースト・セットは前衛的な歌唱と驚異的なギター・テクニックのバランスとアンバランスで、独自の世界を築くSSW＝日比谷カタンが登場。笑いを取りながらも外す独白的MCも含めて、いつもながらのユニークなパフォーマンスを繰り広げた。ピルカネン（1964～）はUMOジャズ・オーケストラ等、ビッグ・バンドでの経験を経て、96年にTFを結成。99年にデビュー作をリリースしている。同国では様々なタイプのジャズ・グループが活動しているが、TFはストレート・アヘッドなスタイルをベースにしたメインストリーム・ジャズの担い手だ。ぼくは同作を聴いてなくて、今夜のライヴで初めて彼らの音楽に接したのだが、個々のミュージシャンの技量が確かな上に、初心者にも難しくないサウンドは、ぜひ日本でも広く聴かれるべきものだと思った。お目当てだったピアノのサムリ・ミッコネンも、アルバムで知っていた通りの実力を確認。終演後メンバーと談笑。ミッコネンは来年、トリオの新作を準備しているとのこと。ベースのラッセ・リントグレンから受け取ったリーダー作は、初期のパット・メセニー・グループを想起させる音楽性が、予想外に楽しめた。

- A Japanese paper

I first met Pekka Pylkkanen in Helsinki in the early eighties while working in Helsinki with the UMO Big Band He was an aspiring saxophonist who approached me about having a lesson. I remember this young lad coming to my hotel with a moderate amount of skills and a strong desire to learn as much as he could about the music. Even then I sensed that this guy would go far.
Fast-forward 25 years. Pekka send me a copy of his latest recording, and what I hear is a mature player who has truly come up with a compelling sound, both as a composer and instrumentalist. The music on this cd is simply great, and I am very happy to see and hear that Pekka has grown into the musician that he is today. He’s created compositions with an elegant complexity that showcases his saxophone playing in a unique and personal way.
The band sounds wonderful on Pekka’s arrangements, and plays the music
with grace and style. The music warrants multiple listenings in order to catch all the nuance of the writing and playing. I find that I like the music more with each listening.
I urge you all to let this recording grow on you, and spend the time to fully absorb all that it has to offer. Pekka Pylkkanen and company have made a great recording that will remain in my cd changer for quite a wile to come.


Bob Mintzer

- on the CD Listen!