Quintessence – White Light EP

Sweet Soul From Scandinavia

Quintessence are three highly talented young musicians from Finland. Guitarist Aki Haarala, vocalist Emma Salokoski and Jouni Helminen who delivers the beats, provide us with four flavasome slabs of jazz-tinged nu-soul. The influence of artists like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and DíAngelo who have pioneered the welcome return of “real” soul music over the last few years are obvious in these songs but thereís also a distinctly “this side of the pond” sound too with a little of the subtle sophistication of Sade.

The production is simple but effective, Akiís superb guitar lines and Jouniís subtle electronics and beats provide enough but never too much to accompany Emmaís voice ñ definitely a case of “less is more”. On Sparkle and White Light they are joined by trumpeter Jukka Eskola who is part of Nu Spirit Helsinki who have recorded for Compost and Guidance Records. Extra keyboards on Never are added courtsey of Tuomo Pr‰tt‰l‰. Together they have produced music that is surprisingly mature and intelligent considering that their combined ages total just 68.