13:23 When superlatives aren't enough

The accordion virtuoso Kimmo Pohjonen performed one of the most interesting events of the whole festival. Never before in my life have I seen a tent full of people listen to one artist in absolute silence. A fantastic moment! Even though the festival audience would love to clap their hands and jump along the songs, the set presented by Pohjonen didn't offer many chances for that. Instead, it created a fantastic atmosphere, dreamlike states of mind and a whole full-length performance where the artist is hundred percent commited. Pohjonen performs as if the accordion was an extension of his body and is able to make it roar like chainsaw if necessary.

The man didn't hesitate to use the whole possible sound scale of his instrument, and in the corners of the low tent one could imagine hearing the growl of a demon or the hymn of the angels. In the closing moments of the show, when the man was playing while laying down on the ground and kicking like a madman, you could suddenly notice how you've been holding your breath.

When the concert was over, it felt as if you were transgressing realities.

Texti: Anu Pöntinen
Pictures: Markus Korpi-Hallila

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