Label: Karkia Mistika, 2020
Personnel - Sami Sippola: tenor saxophone; Ville Rauhala: bass; Janne Tuomi: drums; Iro Haarla: piano.
The Finnish trio Hot Heros was formed in 2015, and its name adopted from a sign advertising those typically overstuffed sandwiches in Brooklyn, NYC. For their fifth release, Vodjanoi, the threesome - saxophonist Sami Sippola, bassist Ville Rauhala and drummer Janne Tuomi - are joined by the adroit pianist Iro Haarla (former right-hand collaborator of the late drummer/composer Edward Vesala), and the result of that successful collaboration translates into eight compositions intimately related through a contemporary sound based on folk jazz, post-bop and pop/rock elements. These are complemented by inspirations from nature and some recent trips to Lapland.
A highly lyrical setting is promptly established in the opening piece, Sippola’s “Kuulin Suden Ulvovan”, whose catchy sights of emotionally-charged pop and folk garnish the melodic jazz for a juicy atmosphere. The harmonic contribution of Haarla is elegant and works in perfection on top of the soft rhythmic lock step of bass and drums.
Sippola also wrote the subsequent track, “Karhuntanssi”, which induces some comparisons with the adult post-bop style of Jan Garbarek. It’s touching, desolate, passionate and sensitive, all at once.
Haarla contributes a single composition to the record, “Kullankaivajan Blues”, which she introduces in solitary contemplation, creating moments of attunement to be followed by the rest of the band. The descendant movement of the bass, when first joining her, is quite something, and an interesting debate occurs from then on, featuring a fluently spoken drum solo, terse arco bass interjections, tranquil pianism, and an energetic saxophone conversation delivered with empathy.
The thrilling, absorbing and sometimes edgy tones exhaled from Sippola’s horn can also be spotted on “Niin On Kehto Tyhjillaan”, a 3/4 folk tale penned by Rauhala. This particular piece embraces the bright-yet-profound momentum of the saxophonist’s playing as well as Haarla’s piano work, a thing of glory which she keeps up with further sobriety on the closer, “Vedenneito”, a Sippola piece marked by rubato lethargy.
In comparison with the remaining numbers, Rauhala’s “Murmansk” feels feverishly dreamy, providing a window into ruminative temperaments and slightly ominous tones, mainly brought in by the strong presences of bowed bass and saxophone clamors.
Hot Heros let the melodies breathe and their relaxed grooves and textures, here elevated by Haarla’s talents, make them a trio to watch in the future.
Grade A-
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Kuulin Suden Ulvovan ► 03 - Kullankaivajan Blues ► 04 - Niin On Kheto Tyhjilaan