Midweek pick, August 15th, 2024: Superposition II

Superposition: II (We Jazz)

Olavi Louhivuori :drums
Linda Fredriksson: alto and baritone saxophone
Adele Sauros: soprano and tenor saxophone
Mikael Saastamoinen: double bass

Although I quite enjoyed the Finish quartet Superposition’s self titled 2020 debut album, their follow-up, II, is even more impressive. While much of the material seems almost subdued, in parts even minimalistic, I find the result truly affecting.

There’s the airy opener “Clouding”, of course, but there’s a distinct restraint on tunes like “Huia”, too, where the eagerness of the ride cymbal and snare drum seem keen rush things on, while the two saxophones and the bass tone it down, playing two note intervals for several bars. As if to say “no need to hurry, take a breather, we’ve got time”. Even the jaunty “Elfvik”, which after a short intro bounces off of an Ornette Coleman-like vamp, has a distinct lightness and airy quality. There’s a coolness to the otherwise free wheeling music of Superposition on this outing that I find very enjoyable.