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Track List

1 Northern Sunrise 06:27
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
2 Early Global Hearing 05:01
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
3 Blues Chacarera 06:54
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
4 Ebb & Flow 11:03
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
5 Old Manhattan Tango 07:20
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
6 Peasant's Song 02:32
    by Edvard Grieg
7 Sweet and Lovely 04:30
    by Gus Arnheim, Charles Daniels, Harry Tobias (Sony ATV Tunes, LLC.)
8 Intermediate Global Hearing 04:08
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
9 Passacaglia 05:26
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
10 Have You Met Miss Jones 02:53
    by Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart (Chappell and Co, Inc.)
11 New Halling 04:03
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
12 Human Impact 08:29
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
13 Late Global Hearing 05:35
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
14 Duke Ellington's Sound of Love 03:36
    by Charles Mingus (Jazz Workshop, Inc.)
15 Sophisticated Lady - Duo version 04:42
    by Duke Ellington (EMI Mills Music, Inc.)
16 New Happy Birthday 02:07
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
17 Severi Suhosen jenkka 03:25
    by Esa Pakarinen
18 Apples & Oranges 04:33
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
19 Like Someone in Love 05:03
    by Jimmy van Heusen, Johnny Burke (Chappell & Co, Inc.)
20 Halling 01:49
    by Edvard Grieg
21 Three Strikes 02:35
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
22 The Second Time Around 03:48
    by Jimmy van Heusen, Sammy Cahn (EMI Miller Catalog, Inc.)
23 Ladies and Gentlemen 02:05
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
24 Star Dust 03:39
    by Hoagy Carmichael (EMI Mills Music, Inc.)
25 Stairway to the Stars 02:43
    by Matt Malneck, Paris Mitchell, Frank Signarelli (EMI Robbins Catalog, Inc.)
26 Saturday Nightlife 03:39
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
27 Sophisticated Lady - Solo Version 04:25
    by Duke Ellington (EMI Mills Music, Inc.)
28 Auld Lang Syne 01:50
    by Scotch Air

Total Time: 124:20

About Northern Sunrise

Standing as a profound testament to Pohjola's prowess as a pianist and composer within the New York music scene, Northern Sunrise serves as a rich tapestry of both meticulously crafted compositions and inspired improvisations, showcasing a previously unexplored landscape of harmonies and rhythms. Collaborating with talents like saxophonist Steve Wilson, guitarist Ben Monder, bassist Massimo Biolcati, and drummer Mark Ferber, Pohjola presents his most versatile and imaginative work to date.

With a discography spanning twenty-five albums, Pohjola's musical journey ranges from intimate solo piano improvisations to grand orchestral productions. Yet, amidst this diversity, his music remains a testament to inclusivity and synergy among performers. His measure of success lies in enabling each member of his ensemble to shine brilliantly.

Hailing from Helsinki, Finland, Pohjola's musical pilgrimage led him to the United States in the early 1990s. Under the guidance of pianist Sal Mosca and with the support of Gunther Schuller's production, he made his impactful debut. Throughout his career, Pohjola has collaborated with a constellation of talents including Miguel Zenón, Chris Cheek, Drew Gress, Fernando Huergo, and more, consistently pushing musical boundaries.

Notably recognized as a Steinway Distinguished Artist since 1997 and a significant visiting artist at Berklee College of Music since 2006, Pohjola's contributions extend beyond jazz. He has been commissioned for notable classical compositions, showcasing the breadth of his musical prowess and innovation.

"In our constantly evolving musical syntax the phrase 'global jazz' is showing up with increasing frequency. Usually the term's connotation is simply geographic, as in 'jazz from around the globe;' but, with the help of artists like Mika Pohjola, it is evolving to have a deeper cultural significance. The young Finnish pianist and composer is one of those artists who would make the universal language of jazz the lingua franca of this bold new age. His Northern Sunrise offers a smorgasbord of subliminal connectivity that reaches across and a bit under the surface of the planet." -Jazz.com

This is a newly remastered edition of the original album from 2025, featuring improved balance, enhanced clarity, and a more refined dynamic range. The remaster stays true to the spirit of the original while offering a cleaner, updated sound.

Recommended for both new listeners and longtime fans who want to experience the album in its best possible form.

For those who prefer the original sound, the CD edition remains available and features the original 2009 master.

"What makes this perhaps one of the best of 2009 is that it is jazz that truly captures the emotion, refinement, and power of great classical music."
All About Jazz.

"A disc full of creativity and surprise"
Jazz Review

"Mika's playing, writing and listening skills are unique. He does it all with ease. Very few can do all these things so masterfully."
Gary Burton

Credits

Mika Pohjola - piano & composer
Steve Wilson - saxophone
Ben Monder - guitar
Massimo Biolcati - bass
Mark Ferber - drums
Franco Pinna - bombo

Articles about Northern Sunrise

PRESS RELEASE: Mika Pohjola at Rochester Jazz Festival and NYC's Miles Café;

Saturday, June 11 at 7 pm. Miles Café Jazz Club, 212 East 52nd Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, on the 3rd floor, Midtown Manhattan. Tel. (212) 371-7657. Monday, June 13 at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, Lutheran... Read

PRESS RELEASE: Jazz Saxophonists Greg Osby and Steve Wilson to perform at Village Vanguard

NEW YORK – Village Vanguard, the legendary jazz club located on Seventh Avenue South in Greenwich Village, will feature two saxophonists of particular interest. March 16 to 21, the trio of altoist Greg Osby, drummer Paul Motian and pianist Jason Moran will take the stage. The following week,... Read

REVIEW: Ben Monder on the Side

Northern Sunrise from pianist/composer Mika Pohjola is in a different mood and mode but these airy, arty and atmospheric renderings seem tailor-made for Monder's guitar and aesthetic sensibilities. The first tracks and some subsequent ones elicit some lovely guitar lines but it's all too brief. If... Read

PROFILE ARTICLE: Mika Pohjola: The Ever Search

From studying music theory with his father to attending Vantaa Music Institute and the Royal College of Music, Mika Pohjola's life has been entwined with both music and the pursuit of knowledge. His work mirrors his desire to journey ever outward, searching for ways to incorporate the various... Read

REVIEW: Mika Pohjola: Northern Sunrise

With Northern Sunrise, pianist Mika Pohjola steps into the space between old and new worlds. Close attention reveals a diverse range of influences here, from the worlds of Baroque and the avant-garde, to old school bop and '70s rock-fusion. There's a little solo piano, some trio arrangements, and... Read

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