NIEMINEN & LITMANEN
Originally there was Hypnomen, the psychedelic instrumental band, and then, in the autumn 2001, appeared its spin-off Nieminen & Litmanen. With Nieminen & Litmanen, the number of instruments has been stripped to their bare minimum – only a mercilessly beaten drum kit and a Hammond organ remain – but do not let the scarcity of tools bluff you. The two-men combo has plenty of space for airy improvisation and sudden caprices, undoubtedly more so than a larger, more tightly conducted ensemble would have.
The duo knows the traditions of instrumental music and finds their inspiration mainly from the sweet Sixties, but is not afraid to walk, or rush, down the nostalgia lane a bit further and use ruthlessly the components of jazz, funk, rock'n'roll and what not to mix up songs like December in St. Petersburg (Vorschmack Blues) or Vesuvius (The Moment of Truth), not to mention several songs dedicated to the legendary Finnish comedy actor Leo Jokela.
Not many instrumental bands know how to bring to mind the classic chase scenes or ancient spy films without sounding frustratingly camp and tawdry. No such worries in this case, though. Just leave all matters stylish to these two professionals: get on your cocktail dress, polish your best shoes and lose your heart to Nieminen & Litmanen.
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