International Archives For The Jazz Organ (IAJO) - The Jazz Organ Scene Finland

Jukka Gustavson

Jukka (born 1951) is one of the key figures in the Finnish prog history. After participations as a vocalist and an organist in several bands in Porvoo or Helsinki area he joined WIGWAM in the summer of 1969. His contribution to four classic WIGWAM albums (Hard N' Horny 1969, Tombstone Valentine 1970, Fairyport 1971 and Being 1974) is essential. Jukka's style was fruitfully different from the other leading member, British-born Jim Pembroke, who leaned towards tighter, pop-oriented song structures. Gustavson wrote more esoteric and jazzier music, and he was often compared to his main influence Steve Winwood of TRAFFIC, especially as a vocalist. The ultimate WIGWAM classic, Being, is for the most part Jukka's work. Both Gustavson and bassist Pekka Pohjola left WIGWAM in favour of notable solo careers, whereas WIGWAM changed the style considerably towards pop under the guidance of Jim Pwmbroke and the new guitarist Pekka Rechardt (Nuclear Nightclub 1975 was a big commercial success).

Jukka Gustavson started his solo output with the album ....jaloa ylpeyttä yletän.... ylevää nöyryyttä nousen (1978); the title could be translated Noble pride I reach... sublime humility I rise. The music was composed for the ballet work Yksin yhdessä (Alone Together) and it reflects Jukka's interpretations of the Bible. Next year he became a Jehovah's Witness. Instrumental album Valon vuoksi (1979) was composed for a dance piece coreographed by his wife Leena. Third album Toden toistoa (1981) features also vocals, but the music is bright and airy fusion.

The next album came over a decade later: Bluesion (1992) puts emphasis on piano and features some experimental pieces with sound effects and speech parts. In my opinion that album suffers from too sparse instrumentation and a lack of direction, but the fifth album Kadonnut häviämättömiin (1995; Lost in the imperishable) is among his very best. It also could be described as progressive rock instead of a stronger jazz orientation which he has favoured in this millennium.

Gustavson plays several keyboards including electric piano, Hammond and Moog, and he is considered one of the finest keyboardists in the Finnish jazz scene.

Matti Pajuniemi

Fairyport Love Records LRLP 44/45 released 1971 recorded 1971 in Helsinki/Finland	Jukka Gustavson, vocals, piano, organ Ronnie Österberg, drums, congas, percussion Jim Pembroke, vocals, harmonica, piano Pekka Pohjola, bass, violins, guitar, keyboards Unto Haapa-aho, bass clarinet Eero Koivistoinen, soprano sax Tapio Louhensalo, bassoon Risto Pensola, clarinet Pekka Pöyry, soprano sax Hannu Sexelin, clarinet Jukka Tolonen, guitar Ilmari Varila, oboe
Tolonen! Sonet SNTF 652 released 1974 recorded October 1971 in Helsinki/Finland	Jukka Tolonen, guitar, piano, spinet Pekka Pöyry, soprano sax, alto sax Jukka Gustavson, organ Pekka Pohjola, bass Heikki Virtanen, bass Reino Laine, drums Ronnie Österberg, drums
Fresh Garbage Love Records LXCD 626 recorded 1969-1977 in Finland	Jukka Gustavson, vocals, piano, organ Mats Huldén, bass Nikke Nikamo, guitar Jim Pembroke, vocals, keyboards Ronnie Österberg, drums, congas, percussion Pekka Pohjola, bass, fiddle Rekku Rechardt, guitar Måsse Groundstroem, bass Hessu Hietanen, keyboards Esa Kotilainen, keyboards Heikki Silvennoinen, guitar
Between Fire And Ice RockAdillo ZENCD 2082 recorded August through December 2002 in Finland	Jukka Gustavson, keyboards, vocals Juha Verona, bass Pentti Lahti, woodwinds Rami Eskelinen, drums
Root & Stalk & Flower Music RockAdillo ZENCD 2144 recorded August 2011 through February 2012 in Helsinki/Finland	Jukka Gustavson, Hammond organ, Nordstage 88, vocals Juha Verona, bass Pekka Nylund, guitar Pentti Lahti, woodwinds Rami Eskelinen, drums Esa Onttonen, conductor of string band
Prognosis RockAdillo ZENCD 2172 recorded January through May 2019 in Helsinki/Finland	Jukka Gustavson, Hammond A-100 organ, Wurlitzer piano, keyboards, vocals Jari "Heinä" Nieminen, guitar Janne Rajala, bass Thomas Törnroos, drums, percussion
Natural High RockAdillo ZENCD 2180 recorded October 2020 through June 2021 in Helsinki/Finland	Jukka Gustavson, Hammond A-100 organ, keyboards, synthesizer, vocals Jan-Olof Strandberg, bass Thomas Törnroos, drums, percussion

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