Brimming with irrepressible energy, this accomplished young quartet hops on the Finnish Jazz Federation's tour bus in April.
Double-bassist Kaisa Mäensivu started her quartet Kaisa’s Machine in autumn 2015, right after her first year spent studying in New York. Her compositions fall into the category of post-bop, with influences drawn from both the modern sound of the Big Apple and the meditative moods of the North. Improvisation and the strong personalities of the four musicians add fresh and unexpected layers to the music each time the group takes to the stage.
Their debut, In the Key of K, came out on the Finnish label Eclipse Music in late 2017, introducing a group as spirited as the Finnish spring and mysterious as East Village. Comprised of Mäensivu’s originals, the album combines tender melodies, intriguing harmonic patterns and fierce improvisation.
Kaisa Mäensivu graduated with an MA in music from the Manhattan School of Music, and she has performed and recorded with numerous artists both in Finland and abroad. She received the Kauko Viitamäki Jazz Prize in 2017, and her composition “Some Other April” was awarded in the Esko Linnavalli Composition Competition the same year. For her debut album, Mäensivu wrote a new arrangement of the piece and it features on the disc under the title “Levels”
“Kaisa’s Machine is pure jazz and that’s fine.” - Jazzpossu
"Energetic bebop that could have just easily wafted out of a hole-in-the-wall NYC bar." - Ivana Ng, New York City Jazz Record
Kaisa's Machine
Kaisa Mäensivu - double bass, Max Zenger – saxophone, Mikael Myrskog – piano, Jonatan Sarikoski – drums
Kaisa’s Machine on Tour:
Wed 11 Apr at 19, Joensuu, Pakkahuone
Thu 12 Apr at 20, Oulu, Vanha Paloasema
Fri 13 Apr at 19, Kuopio, Lumitin sali
Sat 14 Apr TBA
Wed 18 Apr at 21, Jyväskylä, Poppari
Thu 19 Apr at 19, Salo, Veturitallit
Fri 20 Apr at 19, Espoo, April Jazz Club, Tapiola Garden
Sat 21 Apr at 19, Turku, Logomo
Photo: Aini Mäensivu.