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Jukka Haavisto — Reflections
(Eclipse Music no#, 2022, CD / LP / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2023-06-21

Reflections Cover art

I think I’m not alone in feeling that the first few Brand X albums are some of the true gems of 70s jazz-rock. Unorthodox Behaviour, Moroccan Roll, and Masques presented an extraordinary form of music where great technique was balanced with imagination, humor, and a sense of melody that really set the band apart from their peers. Finnish bassist Jukka Haavisto has assimilated that same kind of sensibility for his debut as a leader, Reflections. His playing is nimble and diverse, and he’s apt to incorporate some tricks that Percy Jones is known for, such as frequent use of harmonics, though on the whole his playing is a bit closer to the jazz tradition. His compositions often have a similar feeling to those of John Goodsall, Robin Lumley, and company, and he’s assembled a band that takes that vibe and runs with it. Guitarist Johannes Granroth doesn’t always sound like John Goodsall, but he can toss off fast runs and tricky melodies in the same manner. At other times, he favors a cleaner tone and can provide atmospheric chords with volume-pedal swells. On the keyboards, Vili Itäpelto works largely with the classic instrument sounds, including some really tasty electric piano and some great lead synth lines. The drummer is Severi Sorjonen, who provides the perfect balance of power and subtlety. Such energetic tunes as “Four Days After,” “Dancing in the Woods,” and “Opus nr. 8” should have any fusion fan grooving to the funky bass lines; on the slower side, “Three Reflections” is moody feature for Haavisto’s dextrous playing. I’m not fond of the ballad “Noora,” which seems a little lackluster with its gospel-inflected chords, but I have to admit the bass work is outstanding. Reflections is a great example of contemporary electric jazz with its own twist on some of the classic sounds.

Filed under: New releases, 2022 releases

Related artist(s): Jukka Haavisto

More info
http://jukkahaavisto.bandcamp.com/album/reflections

 

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