Pekka Pylkkanen

Finnish woodwind specialist Pekka Pylkkanen proposes that opaque qualities embody the music presented on this 2001 release. Here, the Tube Factory sextet melds Afro-Cuban and Brazilian rhythms with variable crosscurrents and softly stated patterns, for a set consisting of congenial melodies atop a thoroughly contemporary sound. On the duet piece titled "Black Pearl," Pylkkanen's airy flute work hovers above acoustic pianist Samuli Mikkonen's articulately rendered niceties, whereas the band also institutes march-style beats and lilting harmonies amid an altogether jovial outlook. And while Pylkkanen's 1999 release, Pekka's Tube Factory, might prove to be a little more electrifying in spots, the leader does exhibit more of his laudable chops to complement a series of rhythmically charged arrangements. Otherwise, the folks at Naxos Jazz continually pursue superior audio engineering. Hence, an attribute that is irrefutably evident on this fine outing. ~ Glenn Astarita, Rovi