Pelto Studio Group - Waves of Sound (2023) [Hi-Res]

‘Waves of Sound’ marks the new full-length release from Jazzaggression supergroup, Pelto Studio Group. Named after the label’s Finland-based studio, the trio of Jazzaggression friends and stalwarts forming the Pelto Studio Group comprise Aleksi Heinola on drums, Temu Åkerblom on bass and Markus Holkko on reeds and flute who collaborate once again to wave the flag for the label’s new library music series. It’s definitely an exciting prospect to see another release follow on so quickly with the series’ inaugural project only having been unveiled mere months earlier in the form of Estonian keyboardist Tõnu Naissoo’s ‘Shapes and Colours’ LP. When paired with the talents of the now-officially dubbed ‘Pelto Studio Group’ in Heinola, Holkko and Åkerblom – Naissoo offered up an effervescent slice of jazz-funk stylings for the album setting expectations high for the series and the dynamic take for its future. To see the Pelto Studio trio return under their own banner for the series’ second outing seems like the perfect selection, particularly for the devoted Jazzaggression faithful. Theirs has been an invaluable contribution to Jazzaggression releases over the years, as is certainly the case for band drummer Aleksi Heinola – with full-length releases for his Quartet and Quintet projects paying homage to heroes including Art Blakey and Horace Silver, or his ‘Gone to the Cats’ project alongside Greg Foat paying homage to… cats(!), the drummer’s unwavering talents continue to garner acclaim and accolades as the years pass. With Temu Åkerblom serving as the third in the Greg Foat-Aleksi Heinola trio for ‘Gone to the Cats’, the bassist finds himself establishing an exciting dynamic with Heinola as well as establishing his own credentials as a versatile and in-demand performer having clocked up collaborations with Kai Jämsä, Josu Mämmi… as well as helming his own Jazzaggression project alongside saxophonist Max Zenger (‘Live At Romu Jazz’, 2019). And rounding out the Pelto trio are the efforts of saxophonist Markus Holkko whose introduction to Jazzaggression comes in the form of this new Pelto series but is an artist that boasts an extensive catalogue of music as a contributor to projects by Lightboxer, Espoo Big Band and U-Street All Stars. The premise of this new library series is particularly compelling as there seems to be a definitive drive for its contributors to actively present new ideas; the use of overdubs and effects provides many of the tracks on ‘Waves of Sound’ with exciting new contexts and dimensions allowing tracks like the spirited ‘Blue Sitar’, the somewhat menacing synth-tinged ‘Hunting Heads’ and the sublime noir of ‘Los Angeles Nights’ to really shine. The hard bop of ‘Friday Gig’ serves as a real joy but perhaps not as much as the multi-textured ‘Waves of Sound’ title track which is potentially the album’s most alluring moment. For only two releases in, Jazzaggression’s library series continues from its strong start and with great intrigue we’ll await the continuation of the gems that look set to emanate from the destined-to-be hallowed walls of Pelto Studio.

Baritone Saxophone, Flute, Alto Saxophone, Keyboards – Markus Holkko
Drums, Percussion – Aleksi Heinola
Electric Bass, Acoustic Bass – Teemu Åkerblom

Tracklist:
1.01 - Pelto Studio Group - Little Dandelion (4:25)
1.02 - Pelto Studio Group - Amboseli (3:59)
1.03 - Pelto Studio Group - Tape Machine Dreams (2:43)
1.04 - Pelto Studio Group - Straight Path (4:33)
1.05 - Pelto Studio Group - Joyous Water (3:01)
1.06 - Pelto Studio Group - Blue Sitar (3:45)
1.07 - Pelto Studio Group - Different Morning (4:36)
1.08 - Pelto Studio Group - Hunting Heads (4:06)
1.09 - Pelto Studio Group - Waves of Sound (4:33)
1.10 - Pelto Studio Group - Los Angeles Nights (2:57)
1.11 - Pelto Studio Group - Friday Gig (3:03)
1.12 - Pelto Studio Group - Momentum Finale (3:32)