Biography
Mustarastas was formed in 1994 in Tapiola, Finland. The music is characterized by typical folk-music instruments including the accordion, violin, nyckelharpa and tinwhistles to name a few. Also, polyphonic singing is an important feature in Mustarastas' expression. The tone is heavily based on traditional Finnish and scandinavian folkmusic, but echoes from Irish folkmusic are also present.
The lyrics combine the dark qualities of the Finnish folk and christian tradition while the narration follows the national tradition of story-telling. Kari Haapala is mostly responsible for the compositions and lyrics. Words from Kaija Pispa and Laura Airola are also included. The arrangements are by Laura Airola and Aki Hauru. Mustarastas has released its 8th album, "Samaa verta" in fall 2005. The music breaks boundaries by reaching both the younger and elderly audience.
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Susanna Moisio - vocals
Laura Airola - violin, nyckelharpa, bgvoc
Reetta Kaila - tinwhistles
Kerttu Ahola - accordion
Kari Haapala - guitar, bgvoc
Aki Hauru - mandolin, irish bouzouki, bgvoc
Timo Rohkimainen - bass
http://www.mustarastas.net
http://www.myspace.com/mustarastas
Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.