Published by the British label Edition Records, Verneri Pohjola Quartet's newest album has become one of the definitive releases of the early 2015 in Finnish jazz. The album-launching show, taking place on the main stage of the Finnish National Theatre on 22 March, will no doubt be a memorable event. Pohjola's able crew is composed pianist Aki Rissanen, bassist Antti Lötjönen and drummer Teppo Mäkynen. The album will be available on vinyl in late April.
Verneri Pohjola, one of the brightest stars of modern Finnish jazz, will take his quartet to the prestigious milieu of the Finnish National Theatre to celebrate their acclaimed new recording, Bullhorn. The show takes place on the main stage, on Sunday 22 March at 6:00PM. The album came out on the British label Edition Records, a rising but already prestigious presence on the map of European music industry. Bullhorn has been praised by such influential media as The Guardian and the Evening Standard, in which Pohjola has been elevated to the frontline of European jazz artists. But with Aki Rissanen on the piano, Antti Lötjönen on the bass and Teppo Mäkynen on the drums, it cannot be said that Pohjola’s crew would pale in comparison with their frontman. The group’s upcoming live show at the Finnish National Theatre is an eagerly-awaited event and will, no doubt, be remembered as one of the highlights of the year.
Bullhorn came out in February and it is the first release for Pohjola under the auspices of Edition Records, which is convincingly establishing itself among the key European jazz record labels at the moment. Pohjola’s earlier recordings on the German label ACT Music were widely noted in international music media, but it seems that with Bullhorn the 36-year-old trumpeter has finally hit the jackpot. Pohjola’s new musical vision, full of soul, is crystallised on the album, and conveyed with a remarkable subtlety by the exceptional band.
The album is already available digitally an on CD, while the vinyl will reach the shops on 30 April.
Watch Verneri Pohjola Quartet perform the piece "Nanomachines" in London, October 2014:
"This is a beautifully executed, and quietly surprise-packed set."
– The Guardian
"The third album from leading Helsinki-based composer, bandleader and trumpet player Verneri Pohjola is the one that cements his move from longtime rising star to international jazz heavyweight."
– London Evening Standard
Verneri Pohjola Quartet
Bullhorn, Album-launching show
Sun 22 Mar at 6:00PM Finnish National Theatre, Main Stage (Läntinen teatterikuja 1, Helsinki)
Tickets 25 / 15 € pre-tickets at Lippupiste
Verneri Pohjola Quartet
Verneri Pohjola, trumpet / Aki Rissanen, piano / Antti Lötjönen, bass / Teppo Mäkynen, drums
Verneri Pohjola: Bullhorn
Edition Records CD/LP/digital / EDN1056 (release date in Finland 19 Feb 2015 /available on vinyl on 30 Apr 2015)
1. Another Day / 2. Girls of Costa Rica / 3. He sleeps, I Keep Watch / 4. Bullhorn / 5. In La Borie / 6. This One Is For You / 7. Nanomachines / 8. Ouroboros / 9. Cold Blooded / 10. The End Is Nigh