Luutarha will be available digitally from the 8th Nov. and as a Ltd edition vinyl
Henna Emilia Heitamäki’s Luutarha is a collection of new interpretations of old folk songs and folk poetry. There are new translations and arrangements of American, English and Finnish songs from the 17th‒19th centuries, as well as new compositions for old Finnish folk poems. The unifying theme is death, facing it or longing for it. Many of the songs on the album are made especially to be played at funerals. Luutarha (“Bone Garden”) was an early suggestion as a Finnish name for the cemetery.
Listen to Luutarha
Four of the ten songs from Luuutarha have been recorded in Sakke Vänttinen’s Rock Alley Studio in Hamina with the band, and six songs have been played and produced by Hietamäki alone. Tytti Roto (bass), Hanna Perälä (drums), Juuli Jokinen (cello) and Sakke Vänttinen (vocals) have made their mark on the album. In addition to the guitar, Hietamäki has played the harmonium, Finnish zither, piano and various keyboards on the album.
“I feel great pleasure in the directness of these old folk poems: how things are not twisted to be a bit challenging, but rather express directly that now I feel so bad that I just want to die. When you dare to face all feelings without repressing them, they also pass.” Henna tells us.
Initial reaction
Henna interviewed by Suomen Kuvalehti
“Luutarha is an excellent record that is not afraid to jump from Finnish to Anglo-American folk.” Voima
“The execution is subtle and elegant. What has been created is an acoustic, shimmering and serene entity. The impression is not as dark as calming.” Soundi
“Henna Emilia Hietamäki’s Luutarha’s songs and poems unwittingly cling to the hierarchies of feminism, different beliefs, and the class structures of the people and the lords, even though the styges are wrapped exclusively around death, the dark valleys and black depths of facing or missing death, and in the artist’s own words, some kind of “honest” expression of feelings.” Totuus
Henna Emilia Hietamäki Luutarha 2 by Tekla Valy
Henna Emilia Hietamäki : Luutarha (Soliti 114)
Digital and ltd vinyl. Release date: 08.11.2024
Luutarha album sleeve by Melina Pääkkönen
Tuu tuu tuonelahan
Kultalintu
Lähteet laaksojen
Maan alle
Joessa voi huuhtoa surunsa pois
Kuusen juuret
Itkupaju
Villisorsa
Luinen lautta on koristeltu kukkasin
Armo suuri rajaton
Production credits:
1 & 2 & 4 & 6 & 8 & 9 recorded & mixed by Henna Emilia Hietamäki.
3 & 5 & 7 & 10 recorded & mixed by Sakke Vänttinen at Rock Alley Studios.
Mastered by Ville Valavuo.
Song credits:
1. & 2. & 4. & 6. music H.E.H. Lyrics trad. & H.E.H.
3. Orig. “Weep You No More, Sad Fountains” by John Dowland, 1603. Lyrics H.E.H.
5. Orig. “Down in the River to Pray” trad. Lyrics H.E.H.
7. Orig. “Bury Me Beneath the Willow” trad. Lyrics H.E.H. 8. Music & lyrics trad.
9. Music H.E.H. 10. Orig. “Amazing Grace” by John Newton, 1772. Lyrics H.E.H.
Album sleeve: Melina Paakkonen
Photography by Tekla Valy
Henna Emilia Hietamäki Luutarha 1 by Tekla Valy
Upcoming Shows
9.11. Linna Bar, Helsinki w/ Topias Tiheäsalo (solo)
5.12. Typo, Helsinki w/ Thomas Ignatius (solo)
20.12. Bistro Vilja, Tampere w/ Kadonnut Manner (band)
21.12. G Livelab, Helsinki w/ Kadonnut Manner (band)
Press reaction to the singles “Maan alle” and “Lähteet laaksojen”
“Chilling and beautiful” Setlistmx
“It’s more like Julie Andrews singing to a group of fellow nuns before eventide prayers. You won’t be dancing to it but you won’t be waiting until your own funeral to want to hear it again, either.” Nordic Music Central
“Henna’s translation captures the ambiguity of the original text, allowing listeners to connect with the song on a personal level. Fans of folk music and those who appreciate the beauty of traditional melodies will appreciate this modern take on a Renaissance classic.”Purple Melon
“Chillingly beautiful music” Rumba
“We’re dealing with something on the verge of the ephemeral, with a voice that seems to break free from another era, yet somehow remains relevant.” Indie Boulevard
“With a delicate acoustic folk atmosphere, the song blends gentle guitar work, layered vocals, and subtle string elements, creating an emotive and elegant piece.” Wax Vinyl Records
“…offers us a moment as pretty as it is unique, with this musical moment inspired by a song from the 16th century.” Djolo
Henna Emilia Hietamäki Luutarha 3 by Janne Immonen
Prior to her recent solo releases, Henna Emilia Hietamäki has performed with Henna Emilia & Houreet, Cats of Transnistria and Dust Mountain. In 2021, the progressive and psychedelic folk band Dust Mountain, led by Henna and Toni Hietamäki (Oranssi Pazuzu), released their debut album “Hymns for Wilderness” (Svart). Indie rock band Henna Emilia & Houreet has released the long play “Lauluja ihmisistä ja eläimistä” 2019 (Stupido) and the EP “Beibi, mä oon pilalla” 2017 (Stupido). The experimental dream pop band Cats of Transnistria has released three long plays: “Aligning” in 2019 (Soliti), “Opium” in 2018 (Soliti), “Divine” in 2016 (Soliti) and “Away” EP in 2015 (Soliti). The debut solo album from Henna Emilia Hietamäki “Maija” was released in August 2022 via Soliti.
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