Matti P High time to have the first JMA review for Jukka Tolonen, the most legendary guitar hero in the Finnish prog history. In addition to the large and respected solo career mainly in the Fusion genre, he was the founder and central member of TASAVALLAN PRESIDENTTI.

The Hook is Tolonen's third solo album and my personal favourite of them. The impresive line-up features Esa Kotilainen (r.i.p.) on moog, clavinet and accordion, Pekka Pöyry on saxes and flute, four other blowers and the rhythm section of Heikki Virtanen and Esko Rosnell. Tolonen himself plays also piano. The music was recorded in Stockholm's Marcus Music AB and produced by Måns Groundstroem.

The nearly 13-minute 'Aurora Borealis' is a gorgeous celebration of excellent musicianship, and it gives a lot of attention to various instruments, both in combo playing and in solos, in the slightly funky environment. What a moog solo and drum work! Perhaps the groove continues a bit too long occasionally.

'Starfish' is equally energetic Fusion, loaded with reeds and brass. Full of musical joy that makes you feel happy. The band is just fantastic. 'The Sea' slows the pace graciously. Nice laid-back groove starring piano, accompanied by the rest of the group in perfect balance. The flute solo is lovely! The title track starts in a very funky manner and gives the main attention to Tolonen's technical excellence on guitar. This is my least favourite track but still quite interesting as it proceeds.

The relatively brief (3:15) closing track 'Together' is a mellow, emotional ballad focusing on piano but containing also nice guitar sounds. The Hook is definitely worth of your time if you enjoy virtuotic and vibrant Fusion.