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Iro Haarla Sextet: Kolibri
ByFrom the first notes of the opener, "Nightjar," the musicspacious, minimalist in Haarlas' piano part, and initially featuring Kari Heinila's haunting tenor saxophonecreates a dream-like soundscape. Drummer Markku Ounaskari provides complex textures outside of the mode of timekeeping, and the three horns' interplay displays a subtle gorgeousness to round out this achingly beautiful ballad.
"Where "Nightjar" suggests fragility, and perhaps melancholy, "Procession" exudes a power and strength via surging rhythms pushed forward by Ulf Krokfor's powerful bass lines. Trumpeter

Verneri Pohjola
trumpetThe sound of Kolibri, on a blind listen, could easily draw the guess "is this one of those recent ECM Records?" The music unfolds at a patient pace, with a coolness and loose precision coming from six master improvisers. Indeed, Haarla has recorded at ECM, on many of the late

Edward Vesala
drums1945 - 1999
The title tune opens with spare piano notes inserted into a vast space, followed by single, well-spaced bass notes, until Heinila's flute blows in like a birdsong. "Kolibri" is Finnish for "hummingbird," and the tunealong with "Nightjar" and "Legend of Cranes"form a sort of "Bird Suite," inspired by Haarla's fascination with the lives and struggles of birds, the juxtaposition of their delicate appearances with their toughness and ability to survive a harsh world.
The music of Kolibri has a visceral quality, sounding like something that has existed through the agesdelicately beautiful in its abstraction, sometimes nebulous, but always underlain by an earnestness and elemental strength. Extraordinary music. ">
Track Listing
Nightjar; Procession; Kolibri; Spirit Bear; Sad But True; Legend of Cranes; Vesper.
Personnel
Iro Haarla
pianoIro Haarla: piano, chen; Verneri Pohjola: trumpet; Jari Hongisto: trombone; Kari Heinila: tenor saxophone, flute, alto flute; Ulf Krokfors: double bass; Marrkku Ounaskari: drums.
Album information
Title: Kolibri | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: TUM Records
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