Elonkorjuu
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1969 in Pori, Finland |
| Defunct | 1978 (initially) |
| Fate | Reunited in 2003 |
| Headquarters | Pori , Finland |
Key people | Jukka Syrenius, Veli-Pekka Pessi |
| Products | Progressive rock music albums |
Elonkorjuu is a progressive rock ensemble from Finland, established in 1969. The group was active until 1978 and later reunited in 2003.
History
Originating in Pori in 1969, Elonkorjuu quickly made a name for themselves by achieving second place at the 1970 Finnish Rock Championship, which led to a contract with EMI. Their first album, Harvest Time (1972), has become the most prized Finnish vinyl record, with collectors paying up to €1,500 for copies. This album was re-released on CD in 2002. During the 1970s, the band regularly appeared at prominent Finnish festivals such as Ruisrock and Pori Jazz.
In 1978, adopting the English moniker Harvest, they launched their sophomore album Flying High, Running Fast through RCA Records, targeting an international audience. Despite these efforts, the band dissolved soon afterward. Guitarist Jukka Syrenius moved to Norway and went on to produce several albums with the Jukka Syrenius Band, collaborating with internationally renowned artists like American drummer Clifford Jarvis and South African bassist Johnny Dyani.
Elonkorjuu reassembled in 2003 and released a third studio record in 2004. Their 40th anniversary concert held at Pori Theatre in December 2009 was captured and issued as a double live album. In 2012, EMI released an extensive 4-CD collection that includes nearly all of the band’s recordings along with rare live performances from the 1970s. Presently, founding members Jukka Syrenius (guitar) and Veli-Pekka Pessi (bass) lead the lineup, joined by Hungarian drummer Zoltán Kárpáti, keyboardist Jussi Reunamäki, and saxophonist Jari Perkiömäki, who earned his Doctor of Music degree from the Sibelius Academy.
Band members
- Jukka Syrenius – guitar, vocals
- Veli-Pekka Pessi – bass guitar
- Zoltán Kárpáti – drums
- Jussi Reunamäki – keyboards
- Jari Perkiömäki – saxophone
Studio albums
- Harvest Time (1972)
- Flyin' High, Runnin' Fast (1978)
- Scumbag (2004)
Live albums
- Scumbag Goes to Theatre (2010)
Compilations
- Seasons (2012)