Rent Romus’ music deeply reflects his Finnish heritage, particularly through his innovative blend of postmodern jazz and traditional Finnish music. This synthesis is most prominently showcased in “The Otherworld Cycle,” and later “Manala”(underworld) both expansive suites that draws inspiration from Finnish folklore and mythology. These suite were created as part of Romus’ exploration of his Finnish ancestry, which he embraced more fully as he grew older.
His journey into incorporating Finnish elements into his music began in the late 1990s, inspired partly by his travels in Northern Europe where he collaborated with musicians from Denmark who fused jazz and their own folk music. Later he became particularly influenced by “The Kalevala,” a vast collection of Finnish songs and folklore which became the weapon of choice for Finnish Independence from Russia. These stories some of which can arguably be traced back as far as a millennium, resonated with him and inspired many of his compositions.
Working closely with Heikki Koskinen, Romus was also introduced to Karelian folk music and music by the indigenous Sami people realted through the Finno-Ugric language chain. These influences are woven throughout “The Otherworld Cycle,” and “Manala” where he uses traditional instruments like the kantele (a Finnish stringed instrument) alongside saxophones, flutes, and bells. The themes of the “Other World” in his music refer to a heritage found deep in the subconscious, interpreted from different perspectives through improvisation, traditional music, and composition.
In 2023, the Romus and Koksinen took their latest suite of music “Itkuja” (Lamentation) performing with their Finnish band, Otherworld Ensemble, drawing inspiration from the healing music of laments of the northern regions and elements of life-pulsating jazz. This project, among others, represents Romus’ commitment to celebrating and exploring his cultural heritage, using elements of Finnish pentameter rhythmic folk music interlaced with melodic themes, graphic, and improvisational components expressed in American Jazz.
Rent Romus’ embrace of his Finnish roots in his music is a testament to his versatility as a musician and his commitment to exploring and incorporating diverse cultural influences into his work.
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