Still Alive by Mika Pohjola, Miguel Zenón, Ben Monder, Fernando Huergo & Roberto Dani
Lithe, git-go ensembles field near-set pieces of unusual form and filmic dimension, ply panache and wit through a masterful kaleidoscope of meters and voicings: welcome to the not-too-wild-but-still-kinda-crazy world of Mika Pohjola! The Finnish pianist as genial drillmaster paces his tightly-wound unit through maneuvers classically conceived and jazzily executed. Pohjola's complex, widely varied 'extended compositions', 1/2 to 2/3 composed, afford solo flights on a tether, guitarist Ben Monder and altoist Miguel Zenon spinning fresh ideas in the realm of 'melodic rhythm', where groove follows melody. "Future Apparent" builds breathless, odd-metered phrases over choppy changes; after development, Zenon spills fluid lines and Dani tiffs at his wide kit. Pinging guitar/piano interplay over ostinato 5/4 rhythm opens "Landmark" and stretches into dramatic tremolo phrases as alto enters the midtown traffic fray. A dramatic, playful 15-minute centerpiece, "Announcement" opens with hammered-piano punctuated by rhythm, then terse alto/guitar statements and ripping solos by all. "Young In The 80s" starts reflectively but skids into a giddy, accelerating, self-mocking shuffle with tambourine, skiffle alto and singed 'arena-rock' guitar. Calm interludes break up the hilarity. "Now Came To Us" pairs alto and guitar in eerie 3/4 unison, "Movements in Style" flows from music-box piano into a dreamy alto/guitar line and a haunting "Ballad About Something" leaves us posing strange questions.
Fred Bouchard, All About Jazz-New York
Tracklist
| 1. | Future Apparent | 7:07 |
| 2. | Old Couples Lullaby | 5:33 |
| 3. | Screenplay | 8:10 |
| 4. | Old Manhattan Tango | 7:34 |
| 5. | Landmark | 7:31 |
| 6. | Now Came To Us | 3:11 |
| 7. | Announcement - MikaSonik Theme | 15:50 |
| 8. | Passing Recline | 5:14 |
| 9. | Movements In Style | 3:15 |
| 10. | Summer Garden | 6:20 |
| 11. | Young In The 80s | 8:12 |
| 12. | A Ballad About Something | 5:59 |
| 13. | Retrospectives - MikaSonik Theme | 10:42 |
Credits
Mika Pohjola - piano & composer
Miguel Zenón - saxophone
Ben Monder - guitar
Fernando Huergo - bass
Roberto Dani - drums
License
All rights reserved.Tags
BMG is the crystallization of Mika Pohjola's artistic vision, spanning composition, performance, and production. Pohjola's musical journey took flight under the wing of the composer legend Gunther Schuller at GM Recordings. Recognized for his exceptional talent, Pohjola became a Steinway artist in 1997. He continues to curate a diverse repertoire, crafting music of unwavering quality.