About this Record
Toinen levy (literally “Second Record”) is the sophomore studio album by acclaimed Finnish singer-songwriter, pianist, and composer Carita Holmström, released in 1974 on EMI Finland (5E 062-35036). Released the same year Holmström represented Finland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Brighton, this album highlights her astonishing versatility, effortlessly fusing introspective folk-pop, singer-songwriter finesse, and Scandinavian jazz sensibilities.
Backed by an absolute who’s-who of Finland’s contemporary jazz and studio elite—including flutist/saxophonist Pekka Pöyry (Tasavallan Presidentti), bassist Pekka Sarmanto, drummers Reiska Laine and Esko Rosnell, and violinist Jupu Poutanen—the record boasts sophisticated arrangements and intricate chord progressions. Adding to its cultural pedigree, side A features lyrics penned by Finnish rock poet legend Juice Leskinen (“Juicen sanat”). Highly sought after by collectors of 1970s Nordic jazz-pop and European singer-songwriter obscurities, Toinen levy remains an enduring classic of sophisticated Finnish 1970s pop-jazz craft.
Tracklist & Notes
- A-puoli (Lyrics by Juice Leskinen):
- Jos Tahtoo Aamuun
- Tiedän Paikan Armahan
- Oon Aivan Hiljaa
- Lapset
- Katseita On Täynnä Avaruus
- Key Musicians & Personnel: Carita Holmström (vocals, acoustic & electric piano, guitar), Pekka Pöyry, Pekka Sarmanto, Reiska Laine, Esko Rosnell, Ilkka Willman, Don Jetter, Mikael Wiik, Marianne Nyman, Jupu Poutanen, Niiles Outakoski.
- Label / Catalog: EMI (062-35036 / 5E 062-35036)
- Country & Year: Finland, 1974
「半世紀ほど前の北欧の盤らしい。気になってYouTubeで聴いてみたら、ジャケットの佇まいも音も上品で、うちの部屋のすみに放置しておくには惜しいくらい。……まあ、私の作業部屋のレコードボックスをちゃっかり占拠している現実には変わりないんですが。」
(Wife’s thought: Apparently, it’s a Nordic record from about half a century ago. Out of curiosity, I looked it up and gave it a listen on YouTube—both the cover aesthetic and the sound are so elegant that it feels like a waste tucked away in the corner of my room… though that doesn’t change the reality that it’s blatantly occupying a record crate right in my workspace.)
