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Timeless, tasty guitar jazz

by Wif Stenger

Youthful energy and a pristine ‘60s jazz sound drive this second outing, with drummer Mooses Kuloniemi and guitarist Milo Mäkelä joined by stand-up bassist Jon Petterson since last year’s debut.

Buckle up! It’s a high-speed joy ride with these teens, except for a tender “East Helsinki Ballad”. Youthful energy and a pristine ‘60s jazz sound drive this second outing, with drummer Mooses Kuloniemi and guitarist Milo Mäkelä joined by stand-up bassist Jon Petterson since last year’s debut.

The first LP was all tunes by ’50s and ‘60s US giants such as bop guitarist Wes Montgomery. This time out, M&M – still not old enough to get into bars – show their composing chops with all-original material that stands up to those standards.

The playing is looser and less formulaic, dominated by Mäkelä’s guitar. Precise as a tattoo needle, it traces forerunners from Tal Farlow to Brian Setzer. The foundation of instrumental and compositional skills is solid. Now, time to push it with more edge and risks.

 

MILO & MOSES: Among Friends
Milo Mäkelä, guitar 
Mooses Kuloniemi, drums
Jon Pettersson,bass 
KHY Suomen Musiikki KHYVINYYLI1092/5054197795619