Kaisa’s Machine, Moving Parts Review

by Stamish Malcuss

Kaisa Mäensivu’s Kaisa’s Machine returns with Moving Parts, a seven-song album that blends the sonic landscapes of two cities, the tranquil expanses of Helsinki, and the pulsating energy of New York City. The album’s title and theme reflect the exploration of home, belonging, and the movement between two distinct cultures. This is an album where each track feels like a snapshot of a moment in time, seamlessly interweaving cultural influences and musical innovation.

The quintet, led by Finnish bassist and composer Kaisa Mäensivu, has long been a force in the jazz world, and with Moving Parts, they showcase their ability to craft storytelling and resonant compositions. The ensemble’s lineup remains a consistent powerhouse: Mäensivu (bass), Eden Ladin (piano), Max Light (guitar), Sasha Berliner (vibraphone), and Joe Peri (drums), with special appearances by saxophonist Melissa Aldana and vocalist Maja Mannila.

The album opens with “Tykytys,” a track with a driving groove and dynamic counterpoint. The syncopated bass line from Mäensivu, combined with Berliner’s vibraphone’s shimmering textures, forms a rhythmic backbone that propels the composition forward. Light’s guitar effects subtly echo the New York jazz energy. The track’s hybrid feel—a mixture of swing and straight-eighth rhythms—captures the essence of Kaisa’s Machine, where distinct rhythmic identities coexist in dynamic harmony. The vibraphone’s call-and-response with the rhythm section, including Ladin on piano and Peri on drums, further reflects the dialogue between the ensemble’s moving parts.

“Midnight Sun” has a compositional inspiration from the Finnish natural phenomenon where the sun does not set for weeks at a time. The track’s slow build, highlighted by the bass and vibraphone’s interplay, evokes the surreal quality of endless daylight. The piece’s many textures and building and releasing of energy reflect Mäensivu’s ability to convey the essence of Finland’s landscape while still incorporating the interactive vibrancy of New York jazz.

“Origin Story” shifts gears with its high-energy intensity. Featuring the virtuosic saxophone of Melissa Aldana, this track dives into the heart of contemporary jazz, with Aldana’s saxophone solo propelling the piece through unexpected harmonic and rhythmic turns. The rhythm section’s intricate yet grounded pulse provides the perfect backdrop for Aldana’s daring improvisation.

“Moon Waves” brings a harmonic openness that evokes a sense of serene motion. The interaction between the bass and vibraphone creates a harmonious, reflective mood, where the minimalist approach of Nordic jazz meets the fluidity of contemporary jazz improvisation. This track’s emotional depth lies in its ability to communicate complex feelings of stillness and movement, like waves under a full moon.

In “Who’s Asking?”, the ensemble brings together many rhythmic motifs, driving the song’s energy to the forefront. The syncopated, counterpoint-driven passages create a sense of urgency and forward momentum, characteristic of contemporary New York jazz. Ladin’s solo introduces a swing feel that contrasts with the straight-eighth groove of the rhythm section, adding a layer of New York City’s rhythmic landscape.

“Satama (Harbor)” features the vocals of Maja Mannila, whose voice imbues the track with a color that perfectly matches its themes of home and belonging. The looping bass pattern provides a rhythmic anchor, while Mannila’s long, expressive tones draw the listener into the world of Mäensivu’s music. Mannila’s scatting adds further rich sounds to the ensemble with her perfect control of energy and color. The track’s restraint allows the vocals to shine, emphasizing the delicate balance between lyrical expression and rhythmic movement.

The album closes with “Best Kept Secrets,” a track that wraps up the journey with a contemporary Nordic jazz groove that feels grounded and expansive. The interplay between the piano and vibraphone is particularly engaging, as both instruments weave together in a rich, textured dialogue. Berliner’s vibraphone solo is a standout, with her rhythmic interaction with Peri’s drums creating a conversation between the two. The track’s harmonic and rhythmic sophistication makes it an ideal finale, showcasing the ensemble’s collective strength and mastery of groove and improvisation.

Moving Parts reveals Kaisa Mäensivu’s unique compositional voice and the remarkable chemistry of her ensemble. The album’s integration of Nordic and New York City jazz elements highlights the cultural synthesis at its heart, with each track exploring different facets of belonging, movement, and musical exploration.