Kaisa's Machine - Moving Parts

Moving Parts is the third album from Finnish bassist Kaisa Mäensivu and Kaisa’s Machine, and the band’s second for Dave Douglas’s Greenleaf label after Taking Shape. The lineup is largely unchanged from 2023, although vibraphonist Sasha Berliner plays a more central role (Taking Shape had her on just two tracks).

Completed by guitarist Max Light, pianist Eden Ladin and drummer Joe Peri — inspired and virtuosic soloists all — this lineup enhances the harmonic color, textural warmth and contrapuntal detail of Mäensivu’s complex, urgent writing, bringing it fully into focus. “Tykytys” sets the mood with halting rhythmic patterns and flowing melodies in turn. “Midnight Sun,” not to be confused with the Lionel Hampton/Sonny Burke ballad, is a workout with deft unison passages and fast-moving ensemble counterpoint, a model of interplay that animates much of the record, including “Moon Waves,” “Who’s Asking?” and the concluding “Best Kept Secrets.”

Mäensivu’s bass, full-bodied and rhythmically assured, introduces the complex “Origin Story,” with Melissa Aldana guesting on tenor, as well as “Satama (Harbor),” which features the rich alto voice of Maja Mannila, who sings in Finnish and improvises with an almost startling fluency and passion.

https://jazztimes.com/blog/new-5-top-jazz-releases-march-2025/