The Haas Company: Vol. 3 - Song for Mimi

Steve Haas, the accomplished drummer and driving force behind The Haas Company, brings a wealth of experience and a powerful rhythmic foundation to the band's novel sound. With a career spanning decades, Haas has garnered acclaim for his technical prowess and musical versatility across jazz, fusion and rock. His leadership is central to The Haas Company's vision of pushing musical boundaries, a vision vividly realized in their collaborative projects.

The band returns with their third installment, Vol. 3—Song for Mimi, continuing their tradition of inviting exceptional guest musicians to interpret the intricate compositions of virtuosic keyboardist Pete Drungle. Following the success of Galactic Tide, Vol. 1 (Psychiatric Records and Tapes, 2023) featuring explosive rock guitarist Andy Timmons and Celestial Latitude, Vol. 2 (Psychiatric Records and Tapes, 2025) showcasing legendary Frank Gambale, this latest offering introduces estimable Swedish guitarist Samuel Hällkvist as the primary collaborator.

Hällkvist, recognized for his work with the experimental group Isildurs Bane and diverse solo projects, brings a distinctive and unconventional approach to the proceedings. His guitar work, characterized by a willingness to explore wide-ranging tones and techniques, pushes traditional fusion boundaries while creating soundscapes that are both challenging and deeply engaging. This collaboration proves masterful, as Hällkvist's adventurous spirit perfectly complements the dynamic rhythmic foundation laid by Haas and the sophisticated harmonic structures woven by Drungle.

The album extends beyond a mere guitar exposition, enriched by contributions from accomplished violinists. Listeners encounter the virtuosic playing of Jerry Goodman who's iconic Mahavishnu Orchestra work translates into rapid, intricate runs and soaring melodic lines with a distinctive electric edge. The recording also features exceptional jazz violinist Mark Feldman and four other violinists of note.

Drungle's compositions continue exploring fertile ground between jazz, rock and electronic music. From driving, high-energy numbers to introspective pieces, the program offers rich and varied listening experiences. The interplay between Hällkvist's exploratory guitar, emotive violins, and the core rhythm section, augmented by consummate bass work from Guy Pratt and Kirwan Brown, remains consistently compelling.

Standout tracks include "Smacky Mcbrown," which channels rock and roll energy through Haas's commanding rhythms, Hällkvist's electrifying riffs and the keyboardist's darting Jan Hammer-like synth runs and lightning-speed organ work. The quartet demonstrates its ability to merge raw power with precision—a musical marriage that should make even the most cynical fusion skeptic crack a smile. "Song for Mimi" presents a gorgeous piece led by violinist Robert Wechsler's heartfelt balladry over a memorably melodic foundation. The track benefits from Hällkvist's lyrical guitar contributions and atmospheric sonic textures provided by guest artist Sean Lennon, whose presence enhances two of the album's most emotionally resonant compositions.

The pristine production allows the interplay of drums, bass, piano, guitar and violins to shine while maintaining a unified soundscape throughout. Song for Mimi represents a triumph of imagination and virtuosity, redefining jazz fusion for contemporary audiences while honoring the legacy of its predecessors. This essential listening experience highlights the genre at its finest, skillfully blending emotional depth, intellectual complexity and technical mastery within the rich tradition of progressive jazz fusion.