THE ALL ABOUT JAZZ EXPERT REVIEW

Mika Pohjola's Scandinavian Yuletide Voices provide us the most refreshing take on holiday music released this year. Mr. Pohjola leads a bright orchestra of voices capably supported by an eclectic group of musicians through a truly international assembly of songs, evoking a myriad of holiday moods. This, coupled with an unusual and not so unusual repertoire, make for a successful holiday offering.

The Yuletide is metaphorically related to the warmth of the season within the cold of the season. These players and singers capture this feeling perfectly. The festivities begin with an Irish reel, Wexford Carol, sung engagingly by Sanni Orasmaa. From there, the listener is transported from England to Finland to Sweden to Germany and across the pond several times. The holiday spirit infuses the Scandinavian pieces in such a way that when heard, there is little doubt the season being celebrated by the music. "Änglaklockor" could have appeared in The Sound of Music , had the von Trap