JUKKA HAAVISTO — Reflections (review)

JUKKA HAAVISTO — Reflections album cover Album · 2022 · Fusion Buy this album from MMA partners
4.5/5 ·
Matti P
Bassist and composer Jukka Haavisto is definitely among the brightest solo debutants in the Finnish jazz/fusion scene. In 2016 he graduated in jazz improvisation from the Stavanger University, Norway. He has played in numerous Finnish acts and is available as a session or live musician, and as a teacher of his instrument. Last year Eclipse Music released his solo album Reflections. It's a quartet work -- guitar, keyboards, bass, drums -- and it sounds really good! it fully deserves comparisons to the classic 70's fusion, groups such as Brecker Brothers, Return To Forever, etc. By saying this I don't mean too audible influences.

The music has energy and excellent musicianship, but in my opinion not in a self-indulgent way. Haavisto's compositions are balanced between a happy, slightly funky groove and improvisatory complexity, with enjoyable melodies and a harmonic feel despite the virtuotic vitality. The seven tracks are mostly around 5-7 minutes in length. That seems ideal for this music containing proggy edge in a relatively accessible form. Nothing is going on for too long.

The opening track 'Four Days After' has become my favourite, especially the soaring synths sound gorgeous on it, and the soloing electric guitar slightly reminiscent of Pat Metheny. The drummer is equally terrific. Haavisto plays a delicious electric bass solo with an amazing virtuosity.

'Noora' is the shortest (3:55) and the most serene piece, with an autumnally romantic atmosphere. 'Opus Nr. 8' gets rather wild and features an economic drum solo. The electric piano after it has a Chick Corea flavour. The other moodier and calmer piece 'Morning Dew' ends the album beautifully. This is hardly the most unique album of the genre, indeed it's a safe choice for an average fusion listener, but as such it offers very enjoyable 42 minutes with both excellent playing and emotional substance in the compositions.
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