Finnish pianist Mika Pohjola's 1994 debut album rereleased

Finnish pianist Mika Pohjola rereleases his debut album, Myths & Beliefs on Blue Music Group, twenty years after the original recording date. Recorded in 1994, the then acclaimed album features legendary guitarist Mick Goodrick, Swedish bassist and Berklee professor Bruno Råberg and the notable drummer from Italy, Roberto Dani. Pohjola, then 22 years old, was a fresh graduate from Berklee College of Music in Boston when he within two months composed the music for the entire debut outing.

The recording of Myths & Beliefs caught the attention of celebrated conductor and composer Gunther Schuller, who in 1996 released the album on his GM Recordings label. The label is known for its state-of-the-art jazz and classical recordings by such notable artists as the Kronos Quartet, Joe Lovano, Paul Motian, Ran Blake, and several albums by Schuller as a conductor.

The original liner notes of Myths & Beliefs were written by Bob Blumenthal:
"The one word that best describes Mika Pohjola's debut as a leader is 'original.' The melodic strength of Pohjola's material suggests sources in the traditional music of Finland, where he was born, and Sweden, where he first studied jazz. Pohjola's strength is his ability to make something new of these influences and concepts. The empathy of the trio - plus guest guitarist Mick Goodrick on six tracks (including the three different sightings of 'The Bear' that serve as strategically placed interludes) - reinforces the unity of the compositions. Original music, unique concepts, extraordinary playing - it all adds up to one of the most persuasive debut albums in recent memory."