| Jazz |
IMPRESSIVE! That was my immediate thought upon hearing the first track of this album—only to realize that the rest of the record soars far beyond even that superlative. At the helm of this group of musicians is Finnish double bassist Kaisa Mäensivu—an artist I must admit I was completely unfamiliar with. And yet, having long extolled the virtues of Northern European jazz musicians, my knowledge has largely centered around those who have been firmly established for years. Truth be told, this new generation of artists continues to astound me. I recently spoke to you about Sasha Berliner here, and it is a true pleasure to find her featured on this album, alongside saxophonist Melissa Aldana, whom I also discussed here.
From the very first notes of the opening track, Tykytys, I was not merely impressed—I was unsurprised. This is not only jazz of the highest caliber but also a dazzling display of creative brilliance.
I am particularly drawn to this way of composing and performing music—where intellect and intuition converge, where rhythmic vigor meets poetic subtlety. Here, the arrangements serve the greater purpose of a composition overflowing with imagination and inspiration. It is essential to highlight these musicians, whose artistry leaves no one indifferent: Kaisa Mäensivu (bass), Sasha Berliner (vibraphone), Max Light (guitar), Eden Ladin (piano), and Joe Peri (drums). In a landscape saturated with remarkable musical offerings, managing to stand out is a feat worthy of recognition. For us, this album is undeniably one of our “Essentials” for the month of March.
Kaisa Mäensivu declares: “Rhythm and groove—it has always felt natural to me.”
Originally from Finland, Kaisa Mäensivu is a jazz double bassist, composer, and bandleader based in New York. Her imaginative playing—hailed as “exceptionally creative” by Hrayr Attarian in All About Jazz—is in demand both in Finland and internationally. She is the founder of Kaisa’s Machine, described by Giovanni Russonello in The New York Times as “a band of young prodigies.” Mäensivu has led her ensemble at prestigious festivals and venues around the world, including North Sea Jazz Festival, The Jazz Gallery, Ronnie Scott’s, Bimhuis, and the Ljubljana Jazz Festival, to name but a few. She is also a frequent collaborator with other groups and has worked alongside renowned artists such as Kurt Rosenwinkel, Dave Kikoski, Seamus Blake, and Tim Hagans (London Jazz News).
There is a profound artistic synergy binding these musicians together, pushing them to transcend their craft. I have always struggled to fully connect with the vibraphone as an instrument, yet Sasha Berliner proves that an instrument’s impact is shaped far more by the artist’s vision than by the instrument itself. Conversely, the double bass has always been dear to me, and Mäensivu asserts herself here as a musician as significant as Christian McBride. The same can be said for each of the artists on this recording.
It is also worth noting the increasing presence of female musicians at the highest levels of jazz. While we make no distinction in our critiques based on gender, it must be acknowledged that the creative energy brought forth by these women is opening new doors and offering fresh perspectives on musical expression—something that can only bring us joy!
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, March 10th 2025
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