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"Finnish transplant Mika Pohjola has been spoiling for a breakthrough for some time now, and the pianist-composer might just register one with the release of his new disc." -- TIME OUT NEW YORK "Always kicks back for substantial improvisations and quirky compositional gambits that avoid the usual head-solo-head routine." -- THE VILLAGE VOICE "Compositionally, Pohjola's work is involved yet infectious and profoundly melodic, driven by the virtuosity and strong personalities of his players." --ALL MUSIC GUIDE "Mika Pohjola represents one of those rare entities in modern music as his often-complex compositional style generally yields straightforward and easily attainable results. A musical mind at work for sure; however, Pohjola's uncanny knack for integrating sonorous melodies with multi-layered and intricately formulated arrangements elicits notions of listener-friendliness." -- ALL ABOUT JAZZ . COM "This is remarkable fusion of contemporary jazz motifs that highlight the creative genius of composer-pianist, Mika Pohjola. This collection features memorable songs performed to perfection by this gifted pianist and his fellow musicians." -- JAZZ REVIEW "I really don't like to label anyone or categorize an artist, but I have to say it, Mika Pohjola is a modern progressive jazz genius. This is now the third album I have heard by this Finnish born keyboard player and it is unequivocally his most ambitious and complete work to date." -- Keith "MUZIKMAN" Hannaleck "Finnish pianist/composer Mika Pohjola is a superb technician who also possesses a crafty compositional pen. This effort represents a joyous event that supersedes a good portion of the nondescript, overly hyped, and rigorously marketed 1990s and 2000s brand of post-bop. This refreshing and altogether stirring production imparts a lasting impression, and is strongly recommended." -- ALL MUSIC GUIDE "[Pohjola's] witty and engaging personality carried over into music... His group had an uncanny degree of communication... exhilarating new music." -- ALYN SHIPTON, THE TIMES "He may not be a household name, but Pohjola's star is definitely on the rise." -- NATE CHINEN "Born in Finland and now residing in New York City, jazz pianist Mika Pohjola has been the recipient of some conspicuous attention these days. A stylist who possesses enormous chops, Pohjola delivers the goods in prominent fashion with his latest release. The pianist is a stickler for compositional form yet is prone to elaborate on micro-themes that further enhance or perhaps, provide an added dimension of depth to the overall scope of these enticing works. Mika Pohjola is a young talent on an upward spiral. Sparked by a skilled rhythm section, the pianist pronounces a highly literate jazz vernacular yet counterbalances some of the austere implications with buoyant interplay and airy lyricism that provides an indelible stamp of authenticity to this fine outing." -- GLENN ASTARITA, DOWN BEAT Check out the artist's website: http://www.mikapohjola.com Track List: 1. Screen Play 2. Landmark (Radio Edit) 3. Old Manhattan Tango 4. A Ballad About Something 5. On Broadway 6. Indian Restaurant 7. Party (Radio Edit) 8. When Sunny Gets Blue 9. Relax in the Sun 10. Kaféet 11. Very Early 12. Never Let Me Go 13. Nature's Choice 14. Sound of Village 15. Fate in Our Hands 16. The Ice that Breaks Suggested CDs:
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