The sweet swing of Americana

Dead Circles, a collaboration between Tuomo Prättälä, mostly known for catchy, danceable jazz, and Markus Nordenstreng, a singer-songwriter, found its sound on a trip to Tucson, Arizona. Both men have left their unmistakable mark on the project but Nordenstreng has the stylistic upper hand. This placid and laid-back album commences with guitar-driven folk and goes out with a transparent reading of Bob Dylan’s classic “Lay Lady Lay”.

Those used to Prättälä’s soul jazz may actually be surprised by the billowy softness of Dead Circles. Acoustic guitars meet vocal harmonies with piano and Hammond organ lulling on top of the soft, swinging melodies. All in all, Dead Circles is a grower that demands time and a few concentrated listens to flourish fully.

Among the musicians on the set are John Stirratt and Pat Sansone of Wilco and The Autumn Defense fame, plus The Jayhawks’ very own Gary Louris. The affinity and connection Dead Circles has with all the groups mentioned is tangible, as the album is bursting with swinging Americana, lush road-trip music and romancing the radio.

Translation: Petri Silas