Iro Haarla leads an intriguing and semi free band as she also plays piano and chen, sort of an Oriental harpsichord, along with Verneri Pohjola/tp, Jari Hongisto/tb, Kari ts-fl, Ulf Krokfors/b and Markku Ounaskari/dr. The band mixes the flexibility of a small band with the sonic complexity to its advantage here, with warm and exciting passages on “Kolibri”, “Nightjar” and “Legend Of Cranes” taking their names from various birds and having the music exemplify their characteristics. The melding of reeds and brass is never obtrusive, and the go from harmonic blocks to sensitive soloing without braking stride. The lithe rhythm team is able to stretch from solemn on “Procession” to the playful “Spirt Bear,” closing on “vesper” with a wondrous and panoramic sound. Worth taking in!
Tum Records