Lepistö&Lehti

Lepistö&Lehti
Helsinki

Songs

Ballad
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  • country:Finland
  • region:Nordic
  • style(s):Instrumental, Acoustic
  • label:Aito Records Oy
  • type:Band, Solo, Composer/Songwriter
  • gender:male
  • instrumentation:instrumental
  • artist posted by:Aito Records Oy

Line up

  • Markku Lepistö (Accordion)
  • Pekka Lehti (Contra bass)

Links

Duo Lepistö&Lehti brings together the unquestionable talent of accordionist Markku Lepistö and bassist Pekka Lehti – two musicians sharing a common history in the enormously successful Finnish folk ensemble Värttinä. Together, the duo operates at the forefront of contemporary acoustic music with a distinct Nordic influence and a strong sense of musical dialogue.

In many ways, Lepistö&Lehti is about contrasts. These two musicians, Markku Lepistö and Pekka Lehti, come from different backgrounds and thus possess dissimilar viewpoints when approaching a common goal. To put it in short: Lepistö is rural, Lehti is urban. This is to be said without any value statements whatsoever.

That is, years ago while Lepistö's accordion was used as practical sound distraction against physical "effects" at local wrestling matches, the young Mr. Lehti and his fellow punk rockers were leading the youth revolution in Helsinki. Later on, it is again Helsinki where the two first unite in the ranks of the globetrotting folk machine that is Värttinä. Sharing alphabetically neighbouring last names helped Lepistö and Lehti in getting lots of time to talk about future projects at planes and hotel rooms. When enough people are travelling together often enough, alphabet is the king of arrangement decisions.

In 2003, Lepistö&Lehti was born, and at this day and age, the duo seems to have come together effortlessly. Their sound is contemporary acoustic, which echoes chamber music at times. The fact that both of the players stand out on their own among the leaders of the current Finnish acoustic scene helps them come together as a well-balanced unit. The two instrumentalists work together and let the moment get the best of them. What's best, you get two distinct personalities on stage, not just musicians carrying out a program. That is also felt on their new album, "Helsinki".

An evening with Lepistö&Lehti is something to put a smile on the face of everyone within an earshot. That being said, one has to mention that the effect they have on their audience is something truly unique. An ample example of their power to make the listeners listen was felt already at their first performance at the Helsinki Festival in 2003, where the duo seized the day by treating the 1000+ audience to one of the most delicate performances ever heard on the Tent Stage at the festival's main venue.

When you think about Lepistö&Lehti, it's important to think about both "Lepistö" and "Lehti", but most of all, it should be kept in mind that there's the symbol "&" combining the two names. And whenever that really happens in music, it's a beautiful thing.