The music of the Finnish trumpet player Verneri Pohjola seems to be located next to Scandinavia, just like his country of origin. Just like in Scandinavian jazz, Pohjola looks for spatiality in his compositions that sometimes seem almost ambient. Pohjola is the son of bassist and previously played with his father and in various Finnish jazz and rock bands. He also participated in (20117), a tribute
… to the late Swedish pianist - another connection with Scandinavian Jazz. Yet Pohjola also distinguishes himself from this by applying elements from free jazz and fusion and by daring to sound robust. A firmly playing rhythm section plays an important role in this. The music can sometimes dive into abstract angles, but Pohjola always keeps playing clear, melodic and with powerful embouchure. With The Dead Don't Dream he delivers a varied and creative album. (MR)more
