KAISA'S MACHINE
Nordic noir meets New York sparkle

Kaisa's Machine pictures Mäensivu's vision of music in the form of her compositions. The music aims to be relatable in its pureness - sometimes it's bouncy and groovy, celebrating with you, other times making you ponder all the mysteries and tragedies of life on our planet. Playing bass is Mäensivu's way of dealing with it all.

Mäensivu formed her ensemble Kaisa’s Machine in 2015 and made her debut with the group in 2017 on the tight-knit, imaginative In the Key of K. Since then she has moved to NYC and created an international career. And though she brought new players into her orbit, she kept the Kaisa’s Machine name, landing on Dave Douglas’ prestigious Greenleaf Music label for the follow-up release Taking Shape, her first album as a New Yorker.

Mäensivu’s writing is richly emotive and demanding, though her playing is just as deep and frequently in the foreground: her fullness of tone and attack is immediately evident. All through her musi there’s a sense of story, a sonic richness and surprise.

“This album represents a new, progressive and hard-hitting direction in my music that is a reflection of New York,” says Mäensivu. “I was more of a straightahead bassist when I moved here, but the city has changed me as a player and composer. I feel like this music captures the magic of New York, where we all have this symbiotic language and the atmosphere is open to newthings.”

“Strong, highly musical bass presence” — London Jazz News

“An understanding of dynamics and how to create an atmosphere” — Jazzrytmit


Kaisa Mäensivu - bass
Max Zenger - alto sax
Eden Ladin - piano
Joe Peri - drums
+Jesse van Ruller - gtr