Alex Freeman; Anna-kaisa Liedes; Fredrik Pacius; Aija Puurtinen; Traditional; Josefiina Vannesluoma; Matthew Whittall Julkaisija: Siba Records (2020) CD-levy
The debut release by Finnish vocalist and composer Josefiina Vannesluoma and her jazz ensemble Mortal Lease set centenarian poems aflame. Alongside Vannesluoma’s colourful tone, the ensemble features some of the most sought-after musicians on the Finnish jazz scene - Mikael Myrskog on piano, Nathan Francis on double bass, Ville Luukkonen on drums and Sampo Kasurinen on alto flute, tenor saxophone and clarinet.
The title and the lyrics are by American poet Edith Wharton (1862-1937) that Vannesluoma has finely crafted into an eight-part jazz suite. The Mortal Lease sparked from Wharton’s own emotions during an intensely passionate summer affair. Although this relationship was short-lived, Wharton’s profound sensuous experiences empowered her to transform them to art works.
The album sets off with impressionistic landscaping on Because the currents by the piano trio, alto flute and Vannesluoma’s sweet narrating vocals. Myrskog’s neo-classical melodies seam the song’s outro into the second track, Because our kiss, in which Vannesluoma joins by reciting a love letter. Before long the ensemble bursts into a soulful adventure and more traditional jazz grooves.
Midway the cycle of songs, Yet for One Rounded Moment weaves like an Edwardian era embroidery. Released as the second single, Vannesluoma’s delicate vocals ornament on a chamber jazz canvas, Sampo Kasurinen adding Balkan romance with melancholic clarinet. Vannesluoma has attached Wharton’s sonnet to a bulgarian folk melody ‘Kalimankou Denkou’, previously interpreted by the world-famous Bulgarian State Television Female Choir.
Intensity increases towards the end. The album’s sixth track The Moment Came creates a saga of its own, where clear-toned Vannesluoma takes on more dramatic characters and Kasurinen changes the woodwinds to tenor saxophone. Seventh track Shall I not know? contains steamy solos before settling into detained introspection on Strive we no more.
The Mortal Lease evokes emotions with impressionistic beauty, sophisticated ensemble playing and fearless improvisations. The album’s immersive soundscape is crafted by Markus Kärki, who has also gained recognition in video game and film music.
Josefiina Vannesluoma - voice
Mikael Myrskog - piano
Nathan Francis - double bass
Ville Luukkonen - drums
Sampo Kasurinen - alto flute (1, 2, 8), clarinet (5), tenor saxophone (6, 7)
1. Because the currents 07:15
2. Because our kiss 04:18
3. All is sweet 08:11
4. Sad Immortality is dead 05:41
5. Yet for one rounded moment 03:56
6. The Moment came 04:21
7. Shall I not know? 07:23
8. Strive we no more. 06:29
