Jukka Haavisto Blends Fretless Bass and Finnish Tradition on “Juniper Path”
Finnish jazz and fusion bassist Jukka Haavisto has announced a new album, Juniper Path, with his band Löyly Syndicate. The effort blends Finno-Ugric melodic traditions with Nordic jazz and African American jazz fusion. Haavisto lists Jaco Pastorius, Toivo Kärki, and Wayne Shorter as some of the record’s influences.
“True to its title, Juniper Path takes the listener into the landscapes of the North, with the juniper serving as a symbol of roots, continuity and the Finnish state of mind,” a press release explains. “The album’s other central element is löyly — the steam and heat of a Finnish sauna, and a moment in which energy, tranquillity and presence alternate.”
Haavisto is joined in Löyly Syndicate by Vili Itäpelto (electric piano and synthesizers), Ville-Veikko Airaniemi (guitar), and Anssi Tirkkonen (drums). The bass carries many of the melodies on Juniper Path, with Haavisto’s singing fretless style and advanced techniques creating enticing sounds.
Get a taste of the album with this clip of him playing through “Echoes on the Path.”
Juniper Path will be released on October 16th, with an album release concert at G Livelab Tampere in Finland on October 22nd. Follow Jukka Haavisto and Löyly Syndicate on Facebook for more updates.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
