Finnish jazz harpist are not three words often put together, but Iro Haarla embodies them to the fullest. More than that, however, Northbound demonstrates her keen abilities as composer. Her music is born of life itself and all its contradictions, mixing the sonic elements of saxophonist Trygve Seim, trumpeter Mathias Eick, bassist Uffe Krokfors, and drummer Christensen into a lively concoction. Winding around her creative maypole, the musicians have room to roam, especially in more spacious tunes like “Barcarole.” Although the pacing may be slow, emotional reactions spare no delay in setting up shop in the heart.