(Jazz-Rock/Fusion, Prog Rock) Pekka Pohjola - Heavy Jazz - Live In Helsinki And Tokyo (2 CD) - 1995, FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Jussi Pekka Pohjola (13 января 1952 г. - 27 ноября 2008) был финским мульти-инструменталистом, композитором и продюсером. Первоначально Pohjola прославился как бас-гитарист финской прогрессивной рок группы Wigwam, но вскоре он ушел, начав сольную карьеру сначала выпуская альбомы под влиянием Фрэнка Заппы. Поскольку его карьера прогрессировала, Pohjola разработал более оригинальный музыкальный стиль, который лучше всего можно охарактеризовать как fusion jazz. В дополнение к Wigwam и его сольным работам, Pohjola также играл с Made in Sweden, The Group, группами Jukka Tolonen и Mike Oldfield.

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Pekka Pohjola biography

Pekka POHJOLA (born 1952) is without doubt one of the greatest bassist/multi-instrumentalist in Europe. He knows how to handle several other instruments too... violin, piano, organ, keyboards, synthesizers, and trumpet as well. His style could be described with words as progressive rock filled with invention & Scandinavian folky/jazzy delights. In 1970 Pekka joined WIGWAM, a Finnish group around the English singer and pianist Jim PEMBROKE, staying four glorious years. In 1977, he formed The GROUP and in 1979, he toured with Mike OLDFIELD, who is an admirer of this bass-player. In 1980, The GROUP changed its name to PEKKA POHJOLA GROUP, but along the way the word "GROUP" is dropped, so the band played on as Pekka POHJOLA.

In addition to working with The GROUP, Pekka has released a number of solo albums over the years. Meanwhile, his music has reached new generations of music lovers. During his WIGWAM days, he recorded his first solo-album, the delicious "Pihkasilmä Kaarnakorva". This album has symphonic/classical references and is very ZAPPA-influenced with lots of woodwinds and some fine bass soloing. "Visitation" is a real masterpiece of melodic jazz-rock elements on which Pekka shows his talents as a bass-player and composer. This is probably the best place to start getting familiar. "Urban Tango" (1982) and "Space Waltz" are probably more accessible combining classical tendencies, fusion, folk and more. "New Impressionnist" is an excellent compilation CD that contains tracks from "Everyman", "Urban Tango", "Visitation" and "Katkavaaran"... and is probably as good start.

Late September 1997, "Pewit" POHJOLA's new studio album is finally released after five years since "Changing Waters". The musicians are the same as on "Changing Waters". In May 2001, Pekka released "Views", his first solo album in quite some time.

On 27 November 2008, Pohjola died at the age of 56.

CONCLUSION: "You do not have to be a fan of progressive rock, fusion or jazz rock to appreciate his majestic melody lines."

/progarchives.com/

Pekka Pohjola ‎– Heavy Jazz - Live In Helsinki And Tokyo
4.08 | 5 ratings | 1 reviews | 40% 5 stars - progarchives.com

Pekka Pohjola possibly was one of most skilled Nordic bassist at 70-s, when he played with Finnish leading jazz-rock band Wigwam. Later he collaborated on Mike Oldfield albums and released all the line of solo jazz-rock albums.
This second and his last live (double) album contains recordings from his solo concerts in Helsinki and Japan in 1994. Quite long double set sounds fresh and not boring at all - Pekka plays mid tempo very melodic instrumentals with help of keyboard player,drummer and especially guitarist Markku Kanerva. Music there is slightly influenced by Mike Oldfield from early 80-s melodic instrumental rock jazz, not complex,but more soulful, atmospheric and ... beautiful. Not so mellow or cheesy as in many Oldfield's works, compositions there have trend to jazz more than pop. Guitarist plays excellent, sometimes jazzy, sometimes - almost shredding, but all album's long atmosphere is light as clear Nordic air.
Possibly, not the best release for fans of complex jazz rock, but really great one for those with love to less commercial Oldfield instrumental releases.

My rating is 3,5, rounded to 4.

Review by snobb
http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=4157

Bass, Written-By, Arranged By – Pekka Pohjola
Design – Risto Vainio
Drums – Anssi Nykänen
Guitar – Markku Kanerva
Keyboards – Seppo Kantonen
Mixed By – Heikki Savolainen
Photography By – Tapio Korjus
Producer – Jukka Hakoköngäs
Recorded By – Tapio Ylitalo (tracks: 2-4 to 2-5), Tarmo Haatanen (tracks: 1-1 to 2-3)
Recorded By [Assistant] – Youichi Haneda (tracks: 2-4 to 2-5)