MIST SEASON

A Jazz/Progressive Rock band from Hämeenlinna, Finland, Mist Season were formed in 2004 and featured Keijo Hakala on bass, Timo Kajamies on keyboards, Kimmo Pörsti on drums, Kari Rantakallio on sax and Tommi Varjola on guitars.Some of the members had Classical education, some were involved more in Jazz Music, and the result of these influences was taped in late-2004 in the band's self-titled and self-released debut.

Balance is the perfect word to desrcibes Mist Season's debut, an all instrumental jazzy Progressive Rock effort, containing plenty of intense as well as mellow moments, with a well- crafted sound, interesting compositions and decent instrumental performances.The tracks show much diversity, ranging from proggier moments to full jazzy-oriented material, featuring always a strong melodic content and a unique dreamy atmosphere.Especially the opening tracks are nice examples of smooth jazzy Progressive Rock with melodic themes and beautiful interplays, fronted by the impresive keyboard work of Kajamies and the JAN AKKERMAN-like jazzy guitar stylings of Varjola.Just halfway throughout the gears are slowed down and the band's attitude is now closer to Lounge Jazz and light Fusion with heavy sax solos, more piano-based themes and a overall lighter approach.But the ending of the release holds some great surprises like on ''Kati'' with its great CAMEL-esque atmosphere and the clever use of flutes or the long ''Marieholm'', characterized by the virtuosic guitar exercises of Varjola and the fair amount of proggy breaks.

An interesting effort of well-developed and -executed jazzy Prog, sure to please also fans of melodic Progressive Rock who do not mind a jazzy taste among their listenings.Recommended.