New World In The Morning

The Groundbreakers are a band from Finland who were formed in 1995 by leader Jussi Syren (mandolin, vocals). Over the years, the group has traveled all over Europe and the US, and they have even showcased at the IBMA World of Bluegrass in 2020. They are also featured frequently on Finnish radio. The current band membership includes Syren, along with Tauri Oksala (banjo, vocals), J.P. Putkonen (guitar, vocals), and Tero Maenpaa (upright bass, vocals). There are also guests Marju Inkinen (vocals), Aarne Syren-Lonnberg (fiddle), and Matteo Ringressi (fiddle). 

The band is known for their direct approach to the traditional bluegrass sound influenced by their Scandinavian background. Five of the selections on this project were written by Syren and include “Tighten Up The Belt,” “Daniel Had A Vision,” “Another Town, Another Barroom,” “Tavern By The Roadside,” and the instrumental “Tonto.” Oksala offers the banjo instrumental “Flat Country,” and there is a nice version of John Denver’s “Leaving On Jet Plane” with Inkinen on vocals. Other songs include “New World In The Morning,” the instrumental “My Little Margie,” “Be Seeing You,” “The Days of Pearly Spencer,” and an a cappella version of “Down The Jericho Road.” 

The band is quite good in their arrangements, and Syren’s lead vocals are interestingly pleasant. This is a very good new project from the members of the international bluegrass music community.