"...it fits the instrument like a glove."

Simo's Scramble is dedicated to Finnish bassist, Simo Vaisnen and is in one extended movement offering many challenges for the adventurous bassist who is able to display more than simply technical expertise. The episodic style successfully contrasts passages of sustained cantabile playing with flashes of virtuosic flourish.

Simo's Scramble makes use of many of the playing techniques pioneered by Teppo Hauta-aho, but always within a musical and lyrical idiom. The style is modern but accessible, and the piece joins a body of works for unaccompanied double bass which is unrivalled in the double bass world. It would make an exciting and interesting recital work, or a useful introduction to contemporary music, but within a melodic framework.

"The name Teppo Hauta-aho should be familiar to most bass players. He has an enviable career and has been an important figure in the bass world for many years...Simo's Scamble is a one-movement work with a number of contrasting sections and technical challenges. It begins with a moderate tempo, melodic, pizzicato quarter-note line that alternates with triplets. Switching to arco, and with the introduction of various other rhythmic values, a wonderful, expressive, rubato section is formed. This is followed by a lovely lyrical andante sostenuto that contains some beautiful double stops in tenths.

A short pizzicato sections follows that allows for some ad lib. improvisation. Furioso sextuplets briefly burst upon the scene. The molto lyrico section that follows uses the combination of stopped tones and harmonics for a wonderful effect. The furioso sextuplets make a retun and bring the work to a fast and exhilarating conclusion.

Simo's Scramble was learly written by someone who knows the bass intimately. Nothing is awkward, unreasonable, or unplayable. Rather, it fits the instrument like a glove. It is of medium difficulty and is ideal for someone who is up for a challenge and looking to expand their vocabulary of contemporary bass techniques and musical ideas." [Bass World / ISB]