Album Notes

"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