Library News and Views: Vellum Finnish folk music concert set

From the Havre Hill County Library

On Saturday, Sept. 12, at 2 p.m., the Havre-Hill County Library will be hosting a concert performed by Vellamo, a folk duo from Finland. This concert is free to the public, and light snacks will be served.

Vellamo is the performing and songwriting team of Pia Leinonen and Joni Tiala. Their music is characterized by haunting melodies, Pia’s ethereal lead vocals and Joni’s virtuosic guitar stylings. They write instantly memorable songs in English as well as their native Finnish and perform traditional ballads from the Finnish, Celtic and Scandinavian folk traditions.

On their fourth visit to the United States, their seven-week “Northern Beat 2015 — Tour” will take them from New England all the way to Pacific Northwest through 20 states and over 20 concerts.

In Finnish mythology, Vellamo is the goddess of the sea. Based in Kokkola, on the western coast of Finland, the folk duo Vellamo combines the rich tradition of Finnish folksong with an appealing “retro” sensibility (recalling the likes of Judy Collins or Richard and Mimi Fariña), creating an exotic and magical acoustic experience.

Pia Leinonen, originally from the arctic region of Lapland, is Vellamo’s lead singer. Her exquisite voice combines her love and vast knowledge of Finnish folk music with the western singer–songwriter tradition in a unique and beautiful way. Her moving and evocative expression has been compared to other story-centric performers such as Joan Baez and Marlene Dietrich.

Joni Tiala, originally from the Finnish port of Kokkola, began playing guitar at the age of 11. His eclectic musical background includes writing and performing for theater, progressive and alternative rock and Finnish and western folk. In addition to his work in Vellamo, Joni is an accomplished theater and session musician, and is founding member of the renowned Finnish progressive rock band, Moonwagon.

In addition to shows in their homeland, Vellamo spends half of each year touring abroad; their adventures have led them throughout the United States and Scandinavia. In the fall of 2014 they expanded their tour base in Europe, playing shows in England, Ireland, Belgium, Germany and the Czech Republic. In early 2015 they did their first tour of New Zealand.

Vellamo released their first album in early 2013.

The album was engineered and co-produced by Ken Anderson at his home studio called Song Catcher Recording in Vermont. This renowned folk musician (Hungrytown) also plays drum and bass tracks on the album. The tone of the album is clear and bright, respectful of tradition yet sounding fresh.  It features both original and traditional songs.

Vellamo released their second album in June 2014.

Vellamo’s third album is going to be all original material and will be released in October 2015.