Kaisa's Machine: Moving Parts

Let us play an enormously simple game: Name three bands or three albums of any musical conglomerate —jazz, hop, bop, rock, neo-ethical bluegrass—whose legendary sobriquet was the absolute definition of the sound, soul, and propriety of the band. The peanut gallery erupts—Led Zeppelin, Live at the Vanguard Flatt and Scruggs, A Love Supreme  Add Finnish-born bassist/composer turned fiery New York jazzer, Kaisa Mäensivu and her on-all-cylinders Machine to the list. Moving Parts hits the sweet spot.

Centering around Mäensivu's energetic propulsion and playful, adventurous compositions, these moving parts—most spirited vibraphonist Sasha Berliner, pianist Eden Ladin, guitarist Max Light, and on-the-mark drummer Joe Peri—are so well oiled that a full-throated tenor sax solo from Melissa Aldana on "Origin Story" fits right in with the whole Moving Parts vibe. 

To balance the relative calm of her homeland with the jittery, expectant energy of greater New York, "Tykytys"—its steam roller groove and counterpoint holding together two active soloists as Berliner, who shimmers often on Moving Parts, and Light, who cuts to chase with a smart whip sound. "Midnight Sun" builds its excitement slowly, as Mäensivu (ever at the heart of her machine) duels and dances with Berliner,  Light, Ladin, and Peri, culminating in an exuberant group run around the heady tune.  "Midnight Sun" and the wily "Moon Waves" are hotly akin to many of the fine moments heard and celebrated on their two previous GreenLeaf Music outings, 2023's highly noticeable Taking Shape and 2017's tightly wound In the Key of K.

All drive and syncopation, "Who's Asking?" finds Berliner and Ladin answering the energy with a calm, swing feel to their solos. Though beautiful, the sentiment (a somber reflection on home and the life led after leaving) "Satama (Harbor)" with vocals by Maja Mannila distracts briefly from Moving Parts overall rush. "Best Kept Secrets" the album's solid closer, stars Berliner again, both solo and in fun conversation with Ladin and Peri, returns the music to the fold: contemporary, exuberant, and highly recommended.