Mortality: Mortality

Finland’s Mortality has released their self-titled debut of instrumental jazz that ranges from subtle atmospheric moments of piano (Aki Rissanen), at times touching on fusion, and the addition of trumpet (Verneri Pohjola) and saxophone (Pauli Lyytinen) allow for a wide palate of sound. The use of a double bass (Jori Huhtala) adds a textural element that lies underneath. The music was written by guitarist/composer Tapio Ylinen, and performed by a range of contemporary Finnish jazz and fusion musicians. The mellower moments shine with piano often laying the foundation, as the horns breathe life into the melody, often stark but at the same time powerful.

Mortality is a concept album that deals with the limits of human existence, and was written after the tragic death of Ylinen’s wife in 2015. This music just washed over me, I got lost in the atmospheres and soundscapes that are found within. That is what music is supposed to do, take your mind off everyday life and allow you to get lost inside it. The horns are so haunting on these tracks, and the piano playing is beautiful, everything compliments and nothing overwhelms. The melodies become clearer upon repeated listens, and considering the music was written from a tragedy, it is often very uplifting. The closing track, although brief shows the bands can let it rip when called upon to do so, I would love to hear this group of musicians record some heavier fusion pieces. Hauntingly beautiful are the best words I can come up with to describe what I listened to today, and I will be coming back to this disc often.

Track List:

1. In Memoriam…part 1
2. In Memoriam…part 2
3. In Memoriam…part 3
4. Death’s Little Sister
5. Mortality
6. Towards Dawn part 1
7. Towards Dawn part 2
8. Towards Dawn part 3

Added: July 6th 2025
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 1375
Language: english

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