MaiGroup - Luv (Debut Album) (2013)

On the debut album cover young bassist (and the leader of Swedish-Estonian band MaiGroup) Mai Leisz leaves an impression of an independent Saaremaa-Suzy Quatro in a leather jacket, but this look is not related to music. The album is consummate and through-composed jazz-rock or fusion, which goes into rock rather conditionally than literally. It is an ambivalent music and its interpretation depends on the listener's effort. It has gentleness and a little bit of radio-friendliness, husky guitar solos, funkiness, bass-specific compositions including motoric grooves and mild soundscapes. But this is only the surface. I would not say this record opens itself easily, you have to work on it. However, if you finally get there, the music will open itself to you with a new meaning and depth. I found that in music, with musical instruments Mai expresses her deep feelings for the people she loves. In that sense, the music is very confessional and fragile, even if it sounds strong. "BeNight" describes the sort of yearn for the feeling that occurs when your hands are gently touching a beautiful form or a shape, sliding your fingers over and over again over the familiar curves, "The Eye of Ra" is a calm, affectionate and reassuring, "Alpha & Omega" is about love and inspiration - expanding, expansive and self-confidence accumulating, "Hilton Dance" is a like a protection spell with a motoric riff - there's something deeply personal in all the songs. As such, the record is very bold and revealing, much more than could be expected from a debut album. I hope that this musical openness will remain into Mai Leisz's music in the future." (Priit Hõbemägi)

"The debut album of a young and talented musician Mai Leisz introduces her multi-facet, especially her world-class bass playing and diverse compositions. A separate phenomenon is that Estonian girl firmly drives a band that members come from the European jazz "lion's den" Sweden. "Luv" includes modern jazz, which alternates with frank grooves, compositions with developed form and intimate ballads. Leisz does not exponate her first class bass playing too much, rather leaves room to her co-musicians. Still, this album testifies that Estonia's absolute top bass players have emerged a new, fresh name." (Joosep Sang)

"The album is colorful and warm, it gives room to the listener and comes closer and closer to you, it gets personal and courageous. It's beautiful as mathematics - very well measured. And funk lives in the muscles and shakes its fist at you when needed! It's not really a bassplayer's record, it's an album of a band and the band is absolutely fabulous!" (Mart Juur)

"When the music is written with a heart, it also goes to a heart. My absolute favorites on this new album are "BeNight" and "Alpha & Omega" featuring extremely melodic bass solos. I enjoy the bright dreamy atmosphere, the beauty of the bass tone and the whole organic band vibe." Anne Erm

Björn Arkö - sax
Calle Stålenbring - guitar
Rasmus Lindelöw - piano
Mai Leisz - bass
Jonathan Lundberg - drums