In a time where the topic of mass extinction feels unfortunately very real, the Helsinki-based sextet Soft Power releases an incredibly powerful new album, titled Brink of Extinction, that sonically speaks to the importance and beauty of biodiversity on this planet.

This album is just the latest in a string of brilliant jazz releases from the Estonian label RR GEMS (see BRAHJA, Murial Grossmann, Jesse Dulman Quartet & others!). The seven-track recording fuses together spiritual and hypnotic melodies, with jazz-funk and library style grooves. The session definitely takes the listener on a journey, featuring everything from earthy cosmic tones, fiery solos, head-nodding rhythms, and just a little of everything in-between.

The band features multi-instrumentalist Mikael Jurma (drums , percussion, piano, flute, vocal), Staffan Södergård on Fender Rhodes, guitarist Otto Kyrklund, Iiro Tulkki on bass and vocals, tenor saxophonist Lauri Vertanen, and alto saxophonist/flautist Antti Vauhkonen. The session also features a number of special guests including Mika Hyytiä (Moog synth) and Jussi Peevo (percussion) on the track “Window Of Opportunity,” as well as the Viskiveikot wind sextet on the album’s closer “Final Blow.”

With Brink of Extinction, Soft Power have released one of the most moving and powerful jazz releases of the year. For those that continue to express love and compassion for this world, even in these uncertain times, this is the kind of music that provides the feeling of hope, and that better days are ahead.

Soft Power — ‘Brink of Extinction’
(RR GEMS)

1. Awakening
2. Brink Of Extinction
3. Orange Red Yellow
4. The Water Rooms
5. New Beginning
6. Window Of Opportunity
7. Final Blow

BUY RECORD

• Jazz
• Jazz Funk
• New Releases
• Spiritual Jazz