THE REGENTS
Story of The Regents
The Regents has always been more like a Beat band instead of Instro band; their basics and sound very strongly rely on 60´s Instro stuff. They have always kept their line and played what they like themselves; even “Instro-puritans” did not always like it. These guys have their own, recognisable sound and touch.
As mentioned, it all started in the mid 80´s when Janne Orava (lead guitar) heard some instrumentals on Finnish National Radio, which immediately attracted his attention. Together with his neighbour Jarmo Peippo (drums) these very young lads managed to convince their parents to get instruments required. It wasn’t easy though, as I’ve heard ... J But the story of The Regents took its first steps!
The guys practised as a duo first, and at that time I had the first possibility to listen to them. It was obvious to me from the beginning that Janne and Jarmo had a long and prosperous career ahead of them, and how right I was (once in a lifetime I was right about something!)! Little by little the band took its definite shape and in no time these youngsters became very famous at souheast Finland with their 60´s styled dance & Instro music, which they mostly performed in dance halls and clubs. Bit by bit they expanded their territory and gained knowledge elsewhere too. During their studies and daily jobs they performed approximately 60 times per year!
During these years there have been over 40 (yes, forty!) members and substitutes in the band, but Janne & Jarmo have always been the heart and soul of it; even Jarmo has sometimes forced to use substitutes. Every member and substitute has naturally contributed to the big success of the band today. I’d like to list them all here, but unfortunately there is a shortage of space!
Between 1993 and 1995 I (being a substitute in The Regents as well!) have had the pleasure to play together with Janne and Jarmo in The Mustangs as well. It was a great time!
Unfortunately the lads do not have the possibility to harness the band more often these days, because of their life as professional musicians in front line Finnish dance bands performing 140 to 180 gigs per year. Luckily we can hear them at festivals and on recordings occasionally.
In today’s line up Saska Helmikallio (rhythm guitar and vocals) and Jari Lapakko (bass guitar) are doing an excellent job and are a perfect complement for the band!
It is a rare occasion to follow a band’s career from the first steps to full-blooded professionals. I’m very proud to tell that I have had this chance!
website: www.theregents.info
Ladies & Gentlemen, I hope you enjoy The Regents as much as I do!!
Jari Aaltonen
The Mustangs
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bijgaand een artikel uit een landelijk (!) Fins dagblad over de in Finland ongekend populaire Regents' slaggitarist Saska Helmikallion. Hij is, net als de sologitarist en de drummer van The Regents, professional en het wordt toch als heel bijzonder gezien dat hij met The Regents naar Nederland kan komen!
