JPP

by Leon JacksonRegarded as one the leading fiddle groups of Finland, JPP combines traditional pelimani (folk music) with more innovative forms. The core of the group are the uncle and nephew fiddle partnership, Mauno and Arto Jarvela, along with harmonium player Timo Alakotila, an acoustic bassist, and up to 30 additional violinists. A representative collection of their hits is to be found on Pirunpolska which translates as Devils Polska. The title refers to a Finnish myth concerning the arrival of a brilliant fiddler at a country revel. The fiddler, who turns out to be the devil, plays so well that the dancers cannot stop, and dance themselves to death.