Heikki Sarmanto's "The Song of Extinct Birds" is a unique and captivating fusion of iskelmä and free jazz, released under the Ondine label on November 1, 2013. This ambitious album spans an hour and is divided into twelve interconnected tracks, each exploring a different facet of human history and existence, from the prehistoric past to the technological present. Sarmanto's innovative composition style blends traditional Finnish iskelmä melodies with the spontaneity and complexity of free jazz, creating a sound that is both familiar and groundbreaking.
The album begins with "Listen to the Wind" and takes the listener on a journey through time, with tracks like "Life Begins in the Sea" and "Early Man" delving into the origins of life and human evolution. Sarmanto's music evolves alongside the narrative, from the primal rhythms of "Fire" to the introspective melodies of "Man, the Dreamer." The album's latter half grapples with modernity and its discontents, with tracks like "Technology" and "What Are We Doing?" reflecting on the impact of human innovation on the natural world.
Sarmanto's mastery of both iskelmä and jazz is evident throughout the album, with his piano playing ranging from delicate and lyrical to fiery and virtuosic. He is joined by a stellar ensemble of musicians, including trumpeter Veronika Mokrenko and drummer Markku Johansson, who bring additional depth and dynamism to the music. "The Song of Extinct Birds" is a testament to Sarmanto's creativity and versatility, offering a rich and thought-provoking listening experience that is sure to captivate fans of both iskelmä and jazz.
