Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Superposition: Superposition

Superposition: Superposition

By Friedrich Kunzmann
April 13, 2020
View read count

This outing by Helsinki-based jazz group Superposition is as bold as debut records come. In place of catchy melodies, the reeds focus on odd lines composed of small intervals. Instead of comfortable swing and funky shuffles, bass-and snare-drum work up a choppy sweat to wild cymbal blows. Not to mention the unstoppable double-bass fingers, running up and down the frets like a bullet climbing a staircase. Over the span of eight original compositions, Superposition presents an unquenchable thirst for the unexpected.

Drummer

Olavi Louhivuori

drums
b.1981

" data-original-title="" title="">Olavi Louhivuori is arguably the most widely known member of this quartet—renowned among other things for his work with

Tomasz Sta��ko

trumpet
1942 - 2018

" data-original-title="" title="">Tomasz Sta��ko as well as Finland's Ilmiliekki Quartet. The other members are

Linda Fredriksson

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Linda Fredriksson and

Adele Sauros

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Adele Sauros on saxophones and

Mikael saastamoinen

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Mikael saastamoinen on bass. Each musician is of equal importance and prominence within the music. But democracy knows various faces: the album begins hectically. In "Antiplace" and "Bilawal" the group goes rumbling and tumbling down winding paths held together by quirky unison passages and lively dynamic arcs. Each instrument contributes in a highly percussive manner—be it the clicking and clacking of the saxophone buttons, the upper register, almost toneless frequencies of the bass, or the deconstructed drum inserts.

The first two blustering starters to the album however are deceiving. Sonic experiments based on few motifs and percussive impulses are presented on "Wasteland" and "Mimo," while compositions such as "Ballad No.3" and "Choral" find the four in a slightly more harmonious mood, relying on intimacy and fragile conversation. The only time the band lets melody prevail, in a truly melancholic and moody way, however, is at the very end. Closing meditation "March" is a tender affair built around simple melodic language and a subtle harmonic upward movement, serving as the perfect ending to an impressive debut set deserving of great acclaim.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Antiplace; Bilawal; Ballad No. 3; Miimo; Choral; Wasteland; For The Fallen; March.

Personnel

Olavi Louhivuori

drums

Adele Sauros

saxophone

Linda Fredriksson

saxophone

Mikael saastamoinen

bass

Album information

Title: Superposition | Year Released: 2020 | Record Label: We Jazz Records

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Ryan Porter: A Force For Good
< Previous

Rhythm Abstraction: Gold
Next >

Olavi Louhivuori Concerts

Sep 20 Sat

Petäjäveden jazzklubi: Joona Toivanen Trio

Auditorio Miilu
Pet?j?vesi, Finland

Sep 21 Sun

Jazz Jkl Live: Joona Toivanen Trio

Sepän Kipinä
Jyv?skyl?, Finland

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.