NEW IMPRESSIONIST

Sad how few reviews here on Pekka Pohjola. This bassist-composer (formerly member of the more artful early version of WIGWAM) is one of the leading names in Finnish fusion and has a large international reputation. He's most likely filed under jazz, but he belongs also to prog-rock scene and has composed even a symphony. His music has a recognizable style of its own, with lots of chamber music feel. (By the way he plays bass on Mike Oldfield's Exposed live album - and Mike collaborates on one of Pekka's, Keesojen lehto.)

This CD collects some great tracks from the years '79-'84 if I remember right. Maybe too many pieces from synth-centred music for the film Jokamies (Everyman), but otherwise highly enjoyable, sophisticated jazz rock... closer to jazz than rock in fact, but quite discreet and temperate for jazz. My favourites are 'Inke and Me' and 'Try To Remember', which both start calmly and weave beautiful repeated melody patterns. Pohjola's bass is absolute top class and can really wake emotions. Recommended warmly to all listeners of fusion.