Pekka Pohjola- Mathematician's Air Display (First Listen)

[@mu-soguy]

Super glad you found this track! Pohjola is a sheer life force of music, and had pretty much the most successful solo run in Finnish prog rock history. He's got a very unique way of writing music; it's very orchestral and engaging but executed on modern electric instruments, also drawing inspiration from hard rock and fusion jazz of the time. Pohjola was also an absolute monster on bass... not only was he a brilliant improviser, he had near inhumane precision in playing parts that are just insanely tough to play on four heavy strings. One of my musical heroes, sadly I never got to see him.

[@AliothSenator]

Pekka is awesome. His latest works before he passed away, are great pieces of contemporary jazz. Views it's an amazing album; the last track 'Us' is a beautiful, complex composition that relies in a simple melody which is orchestrated in various forms. One of my favorite pieces ever.

[@petrilampela]

Thank you so much for reacting to Pekka Pohjola! In fact this album can be found on Spotify under it's original title "Keesojen Lehto". Maybe I'm a bit biased because I'm from Finland but I think he is truly one of the most underrated composers ever. And even though I love Mike Oldfield I think this album is probably one of his weakest. Even if it's the best selling of them all, no doubt because of the collaboration. Pohjola himself felt that he had to make compromises because there were big names and labels involved. My favourite albums are the follow-ups Visitation (his most melodic, catchy and fun) and Kätkävaaran Lohikäärme (probably the most progressive and jazzy). Though I know many feel that his second album Harakka Bialoipokku is his best. I'd also suggest to check out a track called "Space Waltz" where there's almost a Dream Theater like prog-metal feel to the awesome main riff.

[@JustJP]

Happily Petri! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@sindhal6250]

The Try to remember on Visitations is monumental...

[@ziccuj]

This one has to be one of my all-time favourite Pohjola tracks - easily in my personal top 10 list anyway. I came across Pekka's music as a toddler in the mid-80's and have never looked back since. His sense of melody, harmony, rhythm, counterpoint, contrast and drama were something totally unique - God bless his soul. As a matter of fact, I would go as far as to state that this whole particular album (originally "Keesojen lehto", to be exact) is compositionally so phenomenal that even Mike Oldfield wasn't able to completely ruin it no matter how hard he tried. And don't get me wrong: I love most of Mike's music released under his own name. It's just that I feel his production style and his moaning guitars didn't quite do justice to Pekka's exquisite compositions at that time. On the other hand, I must also say that I've kind of grown accustomed to the way this album sounds since there's really no alternative. Please be sure to also check out the biggest gem on this album called "Pääntaivuttelun seuraukset" or "The Consequences of Indecisions" for all of you non-Finns. Greetings from Finland and all the best!

[@porflepopnecker4376]

I can't believe it! I actually requested this! You might also check out "Hands Calming the Water", which has a beautiful vocal by Sally Oldfield.

[@JustJP]

I aim to please :) Sometimes it takes a bit, but I try lol

[@porflepopnecker4376]

@@JustJP Now I just need to slip "Ptolemy" by Blue Murder back into your consciousness...

[@norbert_schmidt_bbb]

Very nice to see you here.👍😁

[@ithaliem]

Pohjola didn't play in Freddie Are You Ready. He left Wigwam after Being (1974) and concentrated in his solo career. This is a great piece as is the whole album. My favourite album of Pekka Pohjola is Urban Tango (1982). Pohjola was one of the best bass players of his time, even Frank Zappa invited him to join his band but Pohjola said no. "Too much BS", he is said to have answered to Zappa in a short phone conversation 🤣. Imppu's Tango from Urban Tango LP would be a good choice for another PP song, it's one of his most famous ones. And in Spotify.

[@majorgruber5925]

I'd TOTALLY forgotten Mike Oldfield is on this album. Thanks for the reminder!

[@linusfotograf]

I absolutely love this track and Pekka's music. It's the perfect combination of fusion/prog/classical/folk. Please do the rest of the album!

[@ithaliem]

PP was a great composer with a Sibelian touch.

[@linusfotograf]

@@ithaliem His music has indeed a Nordic touch.

[@anehakansson7771]

One of the most underrated musician/composer ever. Listen for example to "Rita" and "Risto" with the excellent Seppo Tyni on guitar and you will understand.

[@flomalheur7467]

A certain kinship with Mike Oldfield cannot be ignored.

[@ithaliem]

@JustJP You can as a matter of fact find this album in Spotify with it's original Finnish Name "Keesojen Lehto". Then you just have to figure out which song is which 😆.

[@JustJP]

Lol gotcha!😅

[@onsesejoo2605]

Pekka Pohjola played bass on Mike Oldfield's tour which he did with 40 piece orchestra. Finnish singer songwriter Hector invented the original Finnish titles for the songs on Pekka's album, that then were translated directly to English. This one is "Matemaatikon lentonäytös". :) The original title for the album is "Keesojen lehto". Keeso is an imaginary being, orignally in Hector's school exam, while "lehto" is grove, thus "Keesos' Grove". :)

[@drumsybatabamboom8022]

Wow! That tune is an absolute favorite of mine! Thanks for examining songs that might be obscure to many.

[@drumsybatabamboom8022]

The great Pierre Moerlen (rip) on drums!

[@JustJP]

My pleasure! Theres musical treasure troves in every corner :D

[@progqueen6219]

I was busy doing stuff so i didn`t really catch you intro, but then I heard the song and I recognized Mike Oldfields guitar. That man and his guitar is like a fingerprint, totally unique and recogniziable anywhere. I love that half the song is an endless climax.

[@gaiaeternal5131]

Evening, Justin. Dave from London, Round Midnight. As a mathematician myself, I couldn't resist this, and I think I've fallen in love with it. Great combination of sounds, and that incessant yet complex driving rhythm (I'm a big fan of Pierre; and he's great on the xylophone too). Pekka's jazzy bass reminds me of Weather Report (which I've been listening to a lot recently), and I'm also hearing a bit of Glass Hammer in the song structure. Mike's unmistakable guitar is the icing on the cake. Thanks so much for introducing me to Pekka's music.

[@JustJP]

Glad youve enjoyed it Dave!

[@terolahti8448]

Btw. Jaco had some of his family roots in Finland.

[@Koiranpaeinen]

Someone else may have already said it but this song and the whole album are on Spotify. The song goes there by its Finnish name Matemaatikon lentonäytös and the album is called Keesojen lehto.

[@sicko_the_ew]

2 new songs! (This one, and Midnight in a Perfect World. I must follow up your recommendations more often. Thanks.)

[@1nelsondj]

I heard the same riff being played repeatedly. It's like that line from the Marx Brothers movie "Animal Crackers" when Chico keeps playing the same piano part over and over, he say, "I can't think of the ending," to which Grouch replies, "That's funny, I can't think of anything else."

[@lemming9984]

Wow. I've never heard of him before. Wonderful, I will seek out more.

[@markspooner1224]

Very good, (is what I think).

[@RGRG3232]

Thanks for the introduction to this song and artist. Never heard of this at all before. I have another "hidden gem" from the 70s I should keep mentioning to get your interest up. It's Comus' song "The Herald" from 1971. I could be wrong but I think you'll like it as much as the Earth and Fire song I kept mentioning. I'm sure your plate is full but if you can squeeze it in somewhere I think you'll enjoy it. Have a great day.

[@tanis7050]

Wow thank !! for this masterful song i loved it !! Nice discovery for me

[@JustJP]

Glad you liked it Tanis!

[@dalebaker9109]

This is pretty great! Very strongly prog, a bit of Yes, Steve Hackett, even Greenslade! Yet somehow very much it’s own tune! An enjoyable listen Justin.

[@martintayler23]

Justin, it is great you bring such a diversity in the music you show. Pekka was one of the leading Finnish multi-instrumentalists, adept at classical piano, bass, violin and also a great composer. He played a variety of music from jazz to progressive rock and it is sad that he is no longer with us. A contemporary of his, Iiro Rantala, who I follow, wrote this haunting piece in memory of Pekka. I suggest you give it a listen. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i57OmaaImquNrpo

[@brucebrown73]

I like unique! I love this, and it’s nice to be surprised. Try Brian Augers Oblivion Express “ straight ahead album. “ Change”, Straight Ahead, and You’ll Stay in My Heart are 3 great songs. Keyboards are amazing and so is the percussion especially in “ Change” he has a very dynamic and upbeat soul.

[@leethomas2155]

I have this on CD reissue great album. Unfortunately l think there's a glitch on track one though. I might have to investigate this. Another great early Mike Oldfield collaboration is Downwind with Pierre Moerlen.

[@routemaster19]

So pleased you did go down the Oldfield off shoot rabbit hole after Incantations. This whole album is definitely worth completing - it gets better as it goes along. Other have already explained how to get the album legitimately by using it's original Finnish title "Keesojen Lehto" so hopefully you will be able to continue with it. Mike not only played guitar but also produced the album and it was recorded in his then home studio in Gloucestershire - whilst he was working on Incantations. By working with Pekka and Pierre they formed the base of Mike's first touring band. On the strength of your comments about Pierre and Pekka's playing I am now recommending that you do find a way of listening to Mike's "Exposed" album which was compiled from that touring band as the new arrangements of Tubular Bells and Incantations are very different to the studio versions and much more in keeping with this rock style than the intricate almost classical nature of the originals. I'd say finish this album first, then do Gong "Downwind" then Mike's single "Guilty" then "Exposed". Those who believe that the high singing tone of Mike's guitar playing was all that he did are sadly mis-informed. It's certainly a trademark of his but as we all know it is far from all that he was capable of - from Bass, through Classical to thrash if need be Mike can make a guitar do anything he wants including mimicking any other performer - but why would you want to mimic another player?

[@norbert_schmidt_bbb]

This and this and this and this. It's so right on so many levels.

[@andreas_hs]

As a MO fan I remember this album very well and love the music. Also I've know the full album by various different names depending on who published it in the past. I still have the vinyl press from Germany under the name as "Mike & Sally Oldfield, Pekka Pohjola" (published by Happy Bird) and then few years back bought the album digitally under the original name of Pekka Pohjola and album title as "Keesojen Lehto". "The Consequences of Indecisions" under MO as artist was another press by Happy Bird as MO was so popular at that time 🎹🎶

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

Sonic cyclone!!! This album needs to be heard in full!!! If I did'nt know Mike was on this record,I;d still know.2 great arrangers,composers and instrumentalists collaborating,even coming from youtube it's magic sounding.Peace.

[@GrizzlyOldB]

Fun fact: That album has been released in the Netherlands as a Mike Oldfield album with the title “The Consequences Of Indecisions”, as Mike has been massively popular there at the time (probably as opposed to Pekka Pohjola). Well, at least on the back cover, proper credits were given, see here: photos.app.goo.gl/FkgZF6s48Hn3PyC6A

[@nealward2717]

Have the original vinyl of this. Heard it originally on Nicky Horne - Capital Radio and went out and bought it - especially with Mike / Sally Oldfield on it. Also picked up a Wigwam vinyl to see where he originated. Great bass work.

[@kenl2091]

Excellent! The pupil has now become the teacher! I was only vaguely aware that this track existed but had never heard it before and I'm asking myself 'why the hell not?' It started off interestingly though not outstandingly but then the Oldfield guitar kicked in and the bass moved up a couple of notches. Really, really good. Play some more!

[@bjornkarlsson7364]

Great little review. Made the song justice. 👍

[@murdockreviews]

Never heard of this collaboration. How cool would it have been, if Oldfield had gone into more of a fusion direction on his own records after 'Incantations'?

[@JustJP]

Wouldve definitely been interesting!

[@rodneygriffin7666]

You should get the Lp. I don't know if it's still in print, but it's amazing. Thanks also for your reactions on the Lamb. Keep Rocking!

[@chefren77]

Svart Records has a vinyl reprint: svartrecords.com/artist/pekka-pohjola/

[@JustJP]

Thanks Rod!

[@jameswarner5809]

Hi JP, you'd probably like Pierre Moerlen-era Gong. Alan Holdsworth and Mike Oldfield both collaborated on Gong albums during Moerlen's stewardship of the entity which is Gong.

[@mvjonsson]

The legendary Pierre Moerlen on the drums!

[@capecyn]

I've never heard of this artist before. Very cool song and playing!

[@mongolbowb5562]

A great track and an amazing collaboration. I would love to hear your reaction to the track Downwind by Gong next!!

[@jarnolait]

Can be found on Spotify by the original title "Matemaatikon lentonäytös" (album "Keesojen lehto")

[@avantprog6902]

First hearing, at the end I heard Hatfield and the North. That's a must listen for you.

[@linusfotograf]

A few of Pekka's albums have been reissued on CD in the UK, don't know if they are available in the US:

[@neilhinks5734]

Well. I like this Justin.. I have never heard of Pekka Pohjola. The melody's are just superb, great musicianship butty. The drums and bass are stunning ❤️. I thought i could hear Mr. Oldfield guitar sound.. Which sounds superb tbh. 😊 Very intricate.. Lush soundscapes all round Justin. 👍 👍 👍 More please Justin.

[@JensAndersen-co5zq]

Pekka Pohjola is my faroit and you are so. You are vere good to the speceils thvings. There is are speciel thing with Mike Oldfilld writh The Magpie B its suoer.

[@nickj5451]

Justin, what the heck have I been doing not listening to this by now? Been slacking lol. I was really liking Wigwam too, so I've got a lot to explore here. I'm gonna check out both those other songs you mentioned. That was heavy. Even though it was very technically skillful it felt very raw, like a live session. Ooh ooh, the idea they were doing starting at 4:24 sounds like it was picked back up and developed about 6 minutes into Mike's "Taurus 2" from Five Miles Out--similar chord progression. So this was done in 1977 just before Incantations, yet Five Miles Out was released in 82. Hmm! Oh okay yes I have heard the Madness Subsides at some point, sounded familiar. I did a little vocal improv to it just now hehe. Ooh, what a great bass tone. Very smooth, I could see it being sampled. So let's check that out. Loving what DJ Shadow did! That was a great use of it, with the drums, piano and vocals.

[@JustJP]

Glad you enjoyed it all Nick! :D

[@trondsatre8615]

9:46 Pekka Pohjola typically does long climaxes

[@HippoYnYGlaw]

Sufjan is my first word in this comment. Stevens is my 8th. And now the song begins. And yes it is Sufjanesque in that it twists , meanders and boogies from the start . It must've been the alliterative Name. Diolch yn fawr. Crisis! Crisis! we can't get away. China Crisis are another band u mustn't neglect. Enjoyin the channel as it expands it's playlists and audience, Justin. and remember Never turn yer back on a friend. Judie Tzuke City of Swimming Pools has a bassist like this bass but not as fancy!. I enjoyed it . Sufjan ain't as fancy either! I do hope you've dug Carrie & Lowell. How about The Age of Adj? - you heard that? Diolch eto. (it sounded clear here tonight) The GoldenAge of Wireless by Thomas Dolby is great. The Flat Earth is Greater. So, I'll leave it with U then J! No Rush. Well, I'm sure there is actually. Budgie too, hopefully! Nos Da.

[@KappaDaKappa]

Tomi Parkkonen on drums I think - PP is always 🔥🔥🔥

[@nealeger8154]

Parts of this reminds of parts of Chris Squire's "Fish out Of Water" album.

[@maruad7577]

Interesting. I swear there are bits of classical tunes stuck in there. I certainly recognize parts of it though I cannot remember from where. At least one bit makes me think of murder mysteries and maybe Turkey. Hmmm. Don't know if I will know the answer. Maybe I just am asking the wrong question. I enjoyed this. Good stuff. More please.

[@joemaurone7923]

Interesting, pretty cool...re: the circus feel: YES! ...also, speaking of Yes, ;) hearing a hint of "Going For the One" by Yes in there? Mainly, the melodic contour of the verses that Jon sings...and/or the "Habanera" from Bizet's CARMEN...

[@scotstevens5263]

Never heard of them,thanks for sharing. I’ll have to look them up. I agree that they have an Oldfield flare.

[@JustJP]

Glad you liked it Scot!

[@albarton7189]

Another excellent review. I bought this album back in the day, along with all the Oldfield albums and the David Bedford albums. Now, kindly please put these two suggestions on your list to review: 1. “First Excursion” by Oldfield and Bedford (found on the collaborations album from Oldfield’s Boxed) 2. “Instructions for Angels” by Bedford found in Bedord’s album of the same name. Both of these feature Oldfield’s unique and unmistakable guitarwork.

[@JustJP]

Ty Al! Here's First Excursion 🙂kzbin.info/www/bejne/foiwe3SXhqmLl5Y

[@albarton7189]

Thanks JP. I don’t know how I missed your review of First Excursions. Just finished watching it. So, kindly replace that suggestion (First Excursion ) with Amarok. For me, that’s the peak of Oldfield’s music.

[@xlerb_again_to_music7908]

Justin, that was good. Howsabout an album playthough? :)

[@snowdog87]

Wow Oldfield great choice for Pekka A gem a whirlwind

[@rodrigocesar7783]

Weird song, but not bad... I suggest a prog rock song very strange too but it will blow your mind... La Conquista Della Posizione Eretta (Italian Prog Rock)

[@michaelbochnia5686]

Justin, multiples of Pekka is good. Enjoyed it but no second listen to Jeff Beck, Tommy Bolin or Atomic Rooster? Now I enjoyed this with my Oolong but how bout it? Cheers!

[@jfergs.3302]

This's a big improvement. Not sure this guys input in Wigwam song you played, I thought that poor. This though, very good, I'll have to hear more of PP's work. Good composition, great playing, though I had reservations about the guitar. Not what Mike played, his tone. His only tone!, that 'In Dulci Jubilo', higher than other guitars guitar sound he has. It grates, change your rig Mike. That aside, overall, very good. And like in PP's Madness Subsides, i love the way he throws in intricate bass solos in his songs. To a lesser degree here, but still a fine solo. Good stuff.

[@linusfotograf]

Pekka didn't play on that Wigwam track. I'm the biggest MO fan but it's his melodies, arrangements and songwriting I love. I realise his lead guitar tone can be devisive.

[@jfergs.3302]

@@linusfotograf Right. Re PP, i just assumed he did from what JP said. Thanks for the update. And re MO, there's no doubting his abilities, but that guitar sound. Devisive indeed. I have the same feelings towards Brian May's sound. distinctive, but disconcerting :)

[@linusfotograf]

@@jfergs.3302 Oh, May's sound is delicious! I much prefer it to Mike's.

[@tszirmay]

Moerlin is the drummer version of guitarist Alan Holdsworth! Tight percussor....

[@irenalandowska9217]

also Pierre Moerlen of Gong

[@AllanSavolainen]

Oldfield guitar :)

[@-davidolivares]

I liked it. Very dramatic. Oldfield’s vibrato kinda annoys me at times though, just too wobbly, I like smooth vibrato or a variety of such. Anyway, nice choice. One thing though, I feel like you’re leaving me hanging on Sancious’s Tranformation (Speed of Love)... you sounded positive, so? Peace and my Music

[@torbenyj]

you just knbow thta's oldfield on guitar

[@ton-gle4137]

Actually not his best solo on that album. Listen to the penultimate track...Best keyboard solo I've heard and then Mike just nails a section of pure inspiration.

[@harripalomaki8796]

Justin, oh no. Not the Finnish prog rabbit hole. Having said that, it's a fairly shallow hole, dug mostly with bare hands by various members of Wigwam. My problem with this music is that it sounds so theoretical, mathematical and technical whereas my relation to music is purely brain-chemical. And I DO UNDERSTAND that other people get those ecstatic brain-chemical reactions from this kind of music. So...er...I don't know why I'm writing this. Anyway, I'm sure we can all get along. Let's try to be nice. It's not so much to ask for. Hope the pandemic madness is somewhat subsiding in your part of the world. I just had my first COVID shot!

[@linusfotograf]

I find Pekka's music to be very emotional. Let us non-Finns dig for a while in your hole. ;-)

[@harripalomaki8796]

@@linusfotograf, be my guest. Plenty of room for rabbit holes here.

[@pauldover1403]

Drat you, JP, you've just made me waste a lot of time. Obviously, mention of Wigwam brings Finland to mind and because my mind is pretty devious this made me think of Russia and one of my favourite bands, Мельница (Windmill). I think that you like to see bands play live so I've been looking at their concert at Crocus City Hall. They are a folk based band, hence the accordion, flute etc along with the electric instruments. Sadly Natalia (who was a genuine Professor) and leads the band is not playing her harp here. Strangely enough for a Russian, she also sings and plays a lot of Celtic music from her time at Trinity College in Dublin. I thought that I would provide a link to Невеста Полоза (Whip Snake) because not only is it a good song but it also shows from the audience that the band have a large and fanatical following and despite Natalia's first release being 25 years ago they still have a lot of young people listening to them. I'm sure you'd like this if you listened to it (as a Brit I'm obsessed by them) and it is very different to a lot of the music you play although it is in the folk prog genre. Plus if you play it you'll make an old man very happy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHqzap6YlL-Sh6M

[@palantir135]

Well, it sounds a lot like Mike Oldfield, probably because he uses the same guitar as ever. It’s not bad at all but I would have liked it a bit more different from how Mike Oldfield sounds. I have to listen to other stuff by them to refine my opinion. Ever heard of Anti Martikainen? Look at Kalevala. Or other songs by him.