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Track List

1 Tyrant Krinippos 06:28
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
2 Goddess Arsinoe 08:57
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
3 Before Dawn 05:49
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
4 The Day of the Bear 03:00
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
5 Dionysios 10:36
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
6 Mood 4:30 a.m. 02:57
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
7 The Night of the Bear 00:46
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
8 Magneten 05:28
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
9 The Myth of the Old Man 05:30
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
10 Next Morning of the Bear 00:42
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
11 Fall of 1978 08:48
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
12 Kindergarten 06:48
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
13 Kaféet 04:11
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
14 The Day of the Bear (Composite Take) 13:03
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
15 Fall of 1978 (Take 1, 2009 Edit) 04:50
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
16 Goddess Arsinoe (Take 1) 09:28
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
17 Mood 4:30 AM (Take 1) 03:01
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
18 Mustat Ruusut (Black Roses) 04:12
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
19 Magneten (Take 1) 05:25
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
20 Tyrant Krinippos (Take 1) 05:41
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
21 The Day of the Bear (Complete Take 1) 06:16
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
22 The Day of the Bear (Take 2) 03:12
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
23 The Night of the Bear (Complete Take) 02:11
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
24 Next Morning of the Bear (Complete Take) 01:46
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
25 Fall of 1978 (Complete Take 1) 08:42
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
26 Kaféet (Take 2) 04:15
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
27 Magneten (Live in Japan) 04:47
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)
28 Goddess Arsinoe (Live in Japan) 11:12
    by Mika Pohjola (Mika Music)

Total Time: 158:01

About Myths & Beliefs - Remastered Expanded Edition

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 with a Spanish instructor. "I'm not interested in writing variations on the folkloric material," Mika insists, "but I like the idea of a general folk audience. So I write my own folk material."
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.

Pohjola, as a pianist, is a master of tension and release, bassist Bruno Råberg (Full Circle, Orange Then Blue) complements and swings, drummer Roberto Dani (Enrico Rava, Devil Doll) delivers both power and delicacy, and guitarist Goodrick is his unpredictably delightful self, whether burning, rambling or singing lyrically.

Original music, unique concepts, extraordinary playing - it all adds up to one of the most persuasive debut albums in recent memory.
-Bob Blumenthal

Credits

Mika Pohjola - piano & compositions
Mick Goodrick - guitar
Bruno Råberg - bass
Roberto Dani - drums

Articles about Myths & Beliefs - Remastered Expanded Edition

PRESS RELEASE: 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... Read

REVIEW: Myths & Beliefs by AllMusic

This 1996 release marks Finland-born jazz composer/pianist Mika Pohjola's freshman outing. Here, the artist exhibits his distinguishable talents as a pianist who is equally adept at integrating hard-edged swing motifs, jagged frameworks, and folksy themes into his altogether expansive repertoire.... Read