Review: Onnellinen mies

The Good Songs of a Happy Man

Happy Man song evening at Studio Pasila. Otto Kanerva, vocals and Octan Plus band: Antti Vauramo, keyboards, Janne Lehto, guitar, Ako Kiiski, bass and Kalle Torniainen, drums.

“I have two children and my name is Jukka, a boy must have short hair,” sings Otto Kanerva in his own words and tunes. Her small-scale singing evening is full of skill, atmosphere and warm humour.

Rarely do you listen to an actor’s music with such a calm mind as in Studio Pasila’s Happy Man performance. Kanerva can sing, and the band that has played with her is superb.

Kanerva does not need distancing irony when talking about love, insecurity or childhood memories. He has a rare ability not to “perform” too much, the interpretation is based on direct narration, sharing with the audience and the players.

We jumped on the journey of a guy with a first crush on the wings of small stories. The lyrics and melodies are simple and sometimes insightful of the funny details of human life, and Kanerva dares to present even naïve things sincerely and disarmingly.

At this point, there is an endearing and everyday story about meeting a person at the same time: At this point in the relationship, I don’t dare to fart at your place.

In the lyrics, he uses some clumsy rhymes, which are not particularly funny, however.

The melodies are conventional, but they have been skilfully arranged for a four-piece band.

The band has the sounds under control. Grandfather, accompanied by Antti Vauramo, sounded so good that there would certainly be room for more accordion playing in the evening. The song Peloton has an interesting arrangement, and Kanerva even gets to tear up a little with her voice.

Janne Lehto’s guitar playing inspires respect, Ako Kiiski’s bass playing is top-notch and Kalle Torniainen’s drums sound nuanced. The band seems to enjoy each other, which is also conveyed to the audience.