Originally from Finland, Montrealer Saku Mantere has been developing a jazz career in the metropolis, initially discreet but more assertive over the past two or three years. It is in parallel with a solid career as a researcher and university professor in Strategy and Organisations at McGill that he perfects his art, taking full advantage of the rather exceptional richness of Montreal’s jazz musical terroir. Proof of this is the almost royal areopagus gathered around him: Kate Wyatt on piano, Adrian “Mr Cool” Vedady on bass and Jim Doxas on drums (I call him the octopus, because it seems like he has eight arms to produce all the sounds that come out of his instrument). In addition, the remarkable Lex French on trumpet and Eric Hove on alto sax make notable appearances.
The ten tracks on the album, all compositions by Mantere, guide us on relatively calm post-bop paths, like strolls. That said, Mantere pushes the dynamics a bit in a few tracks, like “Lapin Äidin Kehtolaulu” (a traditional lullaby sung in Finnish), where he dares a bit of scat. In his compositions with ambiguous harmonies, the singer stands out with an impressive range that goes from rumbling lows to almost falsetto highs. The undulating, sometimes adventurous lines place Mantere in the wake of other singers such as Mark Murphy or Kurt Elling. Occasionally, echoes of pop ballads such as Peter Gabriel or Randy Newman can be heard in the instrumental accompaniment. Compared to the singer’s previous album, the tonal quality and technical assurance have gained much substance. Divine Apology is convincing where Upon First Impression (2022) betrayed a lot of fragility, even some tentativeness.
Saku Mantere is constantly evolving as an artist, and especially in the notable improvement of his art. We will have to keep an eye on his next appearances (on record or on stage) with interest.
Saku Mantere – Vocals
Kate Wyatt – Piano
Adrian Vedady – Bass
Jim Doxas – Drums
Lex French – Trumpet (1-4, 6-8, 10)
Eric Hove – Alto Saxophone (1, 3, 6, 8-10)
Bohdanna Novak – Vocals (5)
