This is almost a 5-stars-CD and of course Pohjola and his brilliant bandmates don't play standards or really in a standard way. Neihter did Ch. Corea with "Three Quartets" or "Time Warp" nor does/did W. Shorter with his recent 4-tet or with "Alegria". "Announcement" is playing nearly in the same league, but with own independent characteristics. Very rewarding to listen to. If you like the references mentioned and formemost if you like the samples here: buy this CD, you'll love it.

While solidly rooted in the rich soil of former jazz masters, classical influences, folk music and the sounds of New York, Finnish pianist and composer Mika Pohjola, reaches out and flowers with his own contemporary visions of jazz fusion. In a genre inundated with hundreds of up and coming artists, he has continued to lead the pack with his shining musical creations of unusually integrated stylistic balance. Also striking is his compositional focus, which in jazz fusion, is imperative. With his mature musical voice, he navigates in the waters between the comfortable harbor and the endless seas. Take this one out for a sail and find a perspective unique to the genre.

AMG EXPERT REVIEW: Finland born pianist/composer Mika Pohjola is a superb technician who also possesses a crafty compositional pen as the artist generally pushes his creative faculties to the limits, evidenced by an increasingly rich recorded legacy. With this 1998 effort, the pianist along with saxophonist Chris Cheek and longtime running mates, drummer Roberto Dani and bassist Matt Penman integrate ferocious soloing into a palate often consisting of vibrant choruses, peppery exchanges, swiftly executed rhythms and lyrically rich unison lines. However, Pohjola also excels as a forward thinking visionary who draws upon widespread influences, whether it is far eastern modalities, Scandinavian folk or the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, while also injecting innocent, lullaby style melodies into the grand scheme of things. Simply stated, "Announcement" represents a joyous event that supersedes a good portion of the nondescript, overly hyped, and rigorously marketed 90’s and 2000 brand of post-bop, whereas this refreshing and altogether stirring production imparts a lasting impression! Strongly recommended. -- Glenn Astarita