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Iro Haarla Sextet: Kolibri
ByFrom the first notes of the opener, "Nightjar," the musicspacious, minimalist in Haarlas' piano part, and initially featuring Kari Heinila's haunting tenor saxophonecreates a dream-like soundscape. Drummer Markku Ounaskari provides complex textures outside of the mode of timekeeping, and the three horns' interplay displays a subtle gorgeousness to round out this achingly beautiful ballad.
"Where "Nightjar" suggests fragility, and perhaps melancholy, "Procession" exudes a power and strength via surging rhythms pushed forward by Ulf Krokfor's powerful bass lines. Trumpeter Verneri Pohjola interweaves his fiery solos with Heinila and Hongisto, the three horns shining brightly with the tonal range of a big band.
The sound of Kolibri, on a blind listen, could easily draw the guess "is this one of those recent ECM Records?" The music unfolds at a patient pace, with a coolness and loose precision coming from six master improvisers. Indeed, Haarla has recorded at ECM, on many of the late Edward Vesala's (1945-1999) discs, as well as two more as a leader: Northbound (2006) and Vespers (2011), both outstanding quintet outings.
The title tune opens with spare piano notes inserted into a vast space, followed by single, well-spaced bass notes, until Heinila's flute blows in like a birdsong. "Kolibri" is Finnish for "hummingbird," and the tunealong with "Nightjar" and "Legend of Cranes"form a sort of "Bird Suite," inspired by Haarla's fascination with the lives and struggles of birds, the juxtaposition of their delicate appearances with their toughness and ability to survive a harsh world.
The music of Kolibri has a visceral quality, sounding like something that has existed through the agesdelicately beautiful in its abstraction, sometimes nebulous, but always underlain by an earnestness and elemental strength. Extraordinary music.
Track Listing
Nightjar; Procession; Kolibri; Spirit Bear; Sad But True; Legend of Cranes; Vesper.
Personnel
Iro Haarla
pianoIro Haarla: piano, chen; Verneri Pohjola: trumpet; Jari Hongisto: trombone; Kari Heinila: tenor saxophone, flute, alto flute; Ulf Krokfors: double bass; Marrkku Ounaskari: drums.
Album information
Title: Kolibri | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: TUM Records
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