The pieces selected for the album weave a web of tributes and dedications to composers and guitarists, connecting the past and the present.
On his new album, composer and guitarist Kai Nieminen engages in conversation with his late composer colleagues, above all the Japanese Toru Takemitsu, whom Nieminen has mentioned as his closest musical soulmate. Half of the album’s 12 tracks are Takemitsu’s compositions. In addition to these, there are two quite interesting Takemitsu arrangements: George Gershwin’s Summertime and John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s Yesterday.
In his own compositions, Nieminen respectfully salutes Darius Milhaud, Albert Roussel and, of course, Toru Takemitsu. The album ends with Hathor, a work dedicated to guitarist Osmo Palmu. The album features Nieminen’s most recent compositional output for guitar: all four songs were composed within the last couple of years.
The title of Nieminen’s new album, “Tales from the Past – Night and Dreams”, suggests, almost urges, that the album be listened to in the evening, when the hustle and bustle of the day has subsided. And true to form: my first listen on a bright, sunny spring day felt a bit strange and created the need for a quick re-listening after the sun had set.
Listening to the works of both Nieminen and Takemitsu on this album is like reading poems or aphorisms. There is air and meaningful silence between the melodies, during which the listener’s own images can take shape in peace. Kai Nieminen’s compositions seem to emerge from the present moment, a bit like thoughts. Listening to music constructed in this way is enjoyable, its relationship with the listener attentive but illuminated by a strong presence.
The only thing that raises questions when carefully examining Kai Nieminen’s new album is its name, Tales from the Past – Night and Dreams. The title, which refers to the past, tales and nocturnal mental landscapes, is certainly in harmony with the music recorded on the album, but the content also strongly suggests the Nieminen and Takemitsu title. The imaginary producer’s hat on my head creates a hybrid: Tales from the Past – Guitar Music by Kai Nieminen & Toru Takemitsu.
Five titles, Kai Nieminen has recorded an album of the most enchanting music, which creates a magical magic circle around itself.
“Tales from the Past – Night and Dreams”, comp. Kai Nieminen: Le tombeau de Darius Milhaud; Le tombeau d’Albert Roussel; From… Shadows… Of… Songs The Winds; Hathor. Toru Takemitsu: All in twilight I – IV; Piece for the 60th Birthday of Sylvano Bussotti; Equinox. George Gershwin (arr. Takemitsu): Summertime. John Lennon & Paul McCartney (arr. Takemitsu): Yesterday. – Kai Nieminen, guitar. (Pilfink, JJVCD-257)
Pia Antikainen, YLE