Kuja Orchestra

Label : Jazz Aggression

Helsinki funk legends Kuja Orchestra is back with a new line-up and new set of tight grooves. Latin, soul, blues and disco-funk melt with african and oriental influences.

Recorded at studio Pelto for over a two years period, Kuja Orchestra’s Seasons in Rhythm< is Jazzaggression’s fourth new library series instalment. The album features two of the orchestras most prominent members guitarist Timo Hatva and bassist Aku Helin, including new members; keyboardist Miska Puusa and drummer Tony Pelkonen, including sessions players joining such as Joose Kyyrö on sax and flute, Heikki Tuhkanen on trombone and Aleksi Tanhuala on drums + wordless vocals by Toimi Tytti. Seasons in Rhythm offers a soiree out of the rare groove spectre in a eclectic mix of funky Latin, afrobeat, disco and other groovy cosmic delights. This is definitely a record for the funky soundtrack aficionados aswell as the DJ selector looking to spice up his or her DJ set. The album is now available on 180g vinyl with an obi strip, insert sheet, and digital download. The album is limited to 500 copies.

self.

The story behind this record began many years ago at the No. 1 mecca for rare groove junkies: Utrecht, home to the world’s largest record fair. I remember Alex telling me he could rework any track on request—whether it was a song or a beat, if I needed a remake or remix, he was the man. Years later, as a record label owner and publisher, I took him up on that offer—not to create a remake or remix, but to engage in a full album of original material. In October 2023, I invited Alex to Finland for a week-long creative retreat at our very own studio, Pelto. The mission? To craft the next release in our New Library Series.

A few weeks before the session, I asked Alex for some demos or ideas for the project. His response surprised me: he had nothing planned and insisted he worked best under pressure, letting the environment and vibe set the tone. What followed was a whirlwind week of creativity: non-stop sessions featuring vintage synths, drums, percussion, guitar, bass, and meticulous overdubs—all within the walls of Studio Pelto. The result is Colliding Layers.

This library album reflects Alex’s tropical music roots, seamlessly blending his raw, expressive sound with psychedelic touches and the distinct atmosphere of Pelto. Whether on the dancefloor, in your living room, or scoring moving pictures, Colliding Layers is an album to experience.

Album comes with obi strip, insert, digital download and is limited to 500 copies.