The group made three albums in the late 1980s and early 1990s, which were at the forefront of Finnish contemporary folk music at the time. Salamakannel's personal sound is created by a chorus of various stringed instruments. The band still plays both traditionally and acoustically, as well as incorporating electrics and more modern effects. Salamakannel's fourth album features a variety of moods, ranging from heart-wrenchingly beautiful melodies to church bells, Chicago waltz, polska, and Finnish popular dance music oompah, humppa. Although Salamakannel has always played traditional folk music, the most essential part of the band is still the personal compositions of it’s members.
Salamakannel:
Hannu Saha (kanteles)
Antti Kettunen (guitars)
Kimmo Känsälä (bass)
Arto Järvelä (violin, nyckelharpa and mandolin)
What’s special about the new album is that the instrumental band has two great folk singers, Jonna Tervomaa and Ismo Alanko, as guests.
