Heikki Sarmanto Quintet’s Counterbalance reissued on vinyl for the first time ever.

The pioneer of Finnish Modern Jazz, Heikki Sarmanto together with his brother Pekka Sarmanto, Juhani Aaltonen, Lance Gunderson, and Craig Herndon released the album Counterbalance in 1971 under the name Heikki Sarmanto Quintet. Originally released on vinyl and later reissued on CD, Svart Records finally brings Counterbalance back on the market as it was originally intended, on wax.

Counterbalance presents Sarmanto’s exquisite skills both as a composer and pianist. The album features a warm, harmonious fusion of jazz, rock, and elements of Finnish folk music, using both electric and acoustic instrumentation. Includes liner notes by Adam Brauch and Heikki Sarmanto.

A1 Azure skies
A2 Jai Guru Dev
A3 Counterbalance

B1 Moonflower
B2 Seagull
B3 Wolf