Mika Pohjola's album "Leivonen Lumimyrskyssä: Celebrating the Music of Toivo Kärki" is a delightful tribute to the Finnish composer and pianist Toivo Kärki. Pohjola, a Finnish-American jazz pianist and composer, has assembled a talented group of musicians to perform Kärki's compositions with a fresh and modern approach.
The album features a range of instrumental pieces, including waltzes, tangos, and mazurkas. Pohjola's arrangements are tasteful and inventive, incorporating elements of jazz, classical music, and Finnish folk music. The musicians play with precision and sensitivity, bringing out the nuances of Kärki's music.
One of the standout tracks is "Liljankukka," a hauntingly beautiful waltz that showcases Pohjola's lyrical piano playing. The track "Täysikuu" is another highlight, featuring an energetic tango rhythm and a spirited saxophone solo by Miguel Zenón.
Artist:Mika Pohjola Album: Leivonen Lumimyrskyssä Celebrating The Music Of Toivo Kärki
Mika Pohjola (b. 1971, Helsinki, Finland) is a Finnish-born jazz pianist and composer, who moved to Stockholm, Sweden in 1987. Following his later studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston (1992-1994) he moved to New York, and lived in the US for a total of twenty years. In 2012 he once again settled in Stockholm. Pohjola is one of the most prolific Scandinavian jazz musicians in his generation.
"Leivonen Lumimyrskyssä" is a wonderful tribute to Toivo Kärki's music, and a testament to Mika Pohjola's skill as a pianist and arranger. Whether you're a fan of Finnish music, jazz, or classical music, this album is sure to delight.