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Mari and Sari Kaasinen perform the most beautiful Finnish vocal duet I've heard this season. To my chagrin, I cannot understand a word they sing. But my lack of understanding does not detract from the beauty of their voices, or diminish my appreciation of this recording. Consisting mostly of Finnish Christmas songs, this is among the most unusual offerings I can share with you this season.

This is folk music, but it is folk unlike anything I've ever heard. Mixing traditional melodies and instruments with modern arrangements, the record abounds with anachronistic flair. The Kaasinens sing in a traditional european folk register, but the rhythm and percussion is entirely modern. The sound was delivered best on Jouluna Jumala syntyi (God Was Born at Christmas), the most appealing and accessible carol on the record. I also liked the unique sound Sari Kaasinen makes on the kantele (similar to an autoharp), on Jouluyö, juhlayö (Silent Night).

Timo Alokotila was responsible for achieving the traditional/modern blend.

You won't hear anything remotely like Mari and Sari Kaasinen this season.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2000)

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From the liner notes:

Mari and Sari Kaasinen were born in eastern Finland in the village of Raakkyla. Now lives in Helsinki. Their mother taught them to sing in a Finnish dialect called Kareliana, spoken in Northwestern Russia. While growing up, they founded a choral folk group called Värttinä. As adults, they reformed Värttinä into a folk-rock band, whose style is a combination of contemporary folk music, Karelian, and Finno-Ugric songs. At this writing, Sari is no longer a part of the band.

Mari Kaasinen and Sari Kaasinen

Can We Have Christmas Now

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Track List