Oiro Pena Béke

On this album, Oiro Pena’s ever-changing lineup has achieved a richer, more melodic mode of expression than on their previous efforts. Béke (Hungarian for “peace”) was recorded in the middle of the snowy winter, in a small studio in the countryside, far from the fuss of the big city.

Merikukka Kiviharju’s smokey, bluesy singing style provides a harmonically pleasing complement to the clear, fairlylike voice and viola of Merimaija Aalto. Kaukana (“Far Away”), dominated by free jazz saxophonist Sami Pekkola, is a reinterpretation of the African-American spiritual Motherless Child.

Musically the record evokes both the political free jazz of Max Roach and the proto-hippy folk of Finland’s Pekka Streng.

In these dark, dystopian times, the album’s message of peace and love is surprisingly refreshing, radical in all its simplicity. It gives strength and rekindles a faith in humanity. What more could you ask of music?

The record you’re holding in your hands is the best, most coherent whole the band has produced so far. Everything seems to indicate that the best is yet to come.

– Pentti Oironen

released September 26, 2025

Double Bass – Philip Holm
Drums, Flute, Vocals – Antti Vauhkonen
Piano, Rhodes – Staffan ”Wolf” Södergård
Saxophone – Sami Pekkola
Viola, Vocals – Merimaija Aalto
Vocals – Merikukka Kiviharju

Recorded live in Studio Pelto 10.-12.1.2025.
Recording engineer – Johan Fredrik Lavik
Catering – Thomas Södergård

Mastering – Jarno Alho / Alho Audio Mastering
Lacquer Cut – Jukka Sarapää / Timmion Cutting
Linernotes – Markus Karlqvist
Photography – Johanna Hjorth
Cover design – Arsi Keva
Screenprinting – Painopiste (Tampere, Finland)