KAISA MÄENSIVU KAISA’S MACHINE

MOVING PARTS

Greenleaf Music

Kaisa Mäensivu, bass/composer; Eden Ladin, piano; Max Light, guitar; Sasha Berliner, vibraphone; Joe Peri, drums. SPECIAL GUESTS: Melissa Aldana, tenor saxophone; Maja Mannila, vocals.

Band leader, Kaisa Mäensivu is a Finnish bassist and composer.  This is Kaisa Machine’s third album release.  In 2017, she released “In the Key of K” and followed that album with a 2023 release of “Taking Shape.”

On this current album release, Kaisa’s Machine features all original compositions by Mäensivu. Her songs reflect the dramatic difference between New York City, (where she now resides) and her native Helsinki. I was a wee bit disappointed when I played “Midnight Sun” and discovered it was not the familiar standard tune, but Kaisa’s original song (with that same title) is beautifully written and nothing at all like the ballad I love so much. Sasha Berliner’s vibraphone brings freshness and excitement to the song. Kaisa adds her strong bass instrument to the foundation of this arrangement, letting her other musicians build upon it.

On “Origin Story” Kaisa’s special guest, Melissa Aldana adds a lovely tenor saxophone solo.  One thing I noticed about each of those first two Kaisa’s Machine arrangements is the ever-present clock ticking.  It seems to be a rhythmical theme she uses on the tunes, with one of the instruments creating a sound like a time-keeping machine. On Track #2 the piano implies the ticking clock.

“Moon Waves” is a beautiful ballad with a delightful melody established by Berliner.  This arrangement is very ethereal and spacy, employing lots of reverb. Mäensivu takes a creative and improvisational bass solo midway through the tune.  Max Light’s electric guitar solo is emotional and fluid.

A tune she calls “Who’s Asking” adds funk to this modern jazz mix.  It’s Kaisa’s bass that sets the tone for this tune. I wish the drummer had added some funk licks to this very interesting arrangement. The drum funk is missing. On her tune, “Satama (Harbor),” Maja Mannila adds her sweet vocals to the mix. She also scat-sings halfway through the arrangement.  I enjoy her vocals, even though I cannot understand her language. Still, her voice is stunning and beautiful.

Here is an album reflecting two sides of the coin: the European musical influence and the American jazz perspective.  Together they introduce us to Kaisa’s Machine, utilizing her composer gifts and the international qualities of how jazz is appreciated worldwide.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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