Two remarkable jazz fusion CDs by Pohjola with Miguel Zenón and Ben Monder

Pianist and composer Mika Pohjola's remarkable and crafty quintet, featuring Ben Monder, Miguel Zenón, Fernando Huergo and Roberto Dani, is the author of two exceptional albums; Landmark, the 76-minute studio release, with Johanna Grüssner as a guest; and Still Alive, a 93-minute one-set live concert. Both albums feature Pohjola's original-minded compositional pen, which is well-documented in his large discography.

On Landmark, the group mainly stays within measured forms, and as the case with many fusion albums of this kind, it is also a sonic experience. Pohjola plays Fender Rhodes and Harpsichord on select tracks, in addition to the acoustic piano. The 16-track release demonstrates a working band with tight rapport, and some oddities: Grüssner's multiple voices, which were layered one-by-one on an 8-track analog reel-to-reel recorder, are a seldom witnessed treat. Pohjola's arranging on the old Ambrosian hymn is stunning, as well as the Finnish-Karelian traditional, which features some prepared piano. But back to the quintet and Pohjola's compositions: This is not fusion of the Yellow Jackets or Chick Corea Elekric Band kind, but more in an approach set by Weather Report and Mahavishnu Orchestra. Strong latin jazz influences are supplied by Miguel Zenon and bassist Huergo, especially on "Future Apparent" and "Passing Recline". Monder's resourceful guitar, often overshadowed when a sideman, comes to full bloom on "Summer Garden" and his rock-rambling solo on "Young in the 80s". Zenon's solos on "Retrospectives" and the title-tune "Landmark" are also worth a special mention. However, on this album, it is Pohjola who is the master and in charge of the final result. A production of this kind demonstrates maturity seldom seen in a 30-year old talent.

Still Alive is in contrary a free-wheeling live gig, where the quintet was already familiar with the material, exploring new approaches to each song. The intricate solo journeys peak on the 15-minute "Announcement", where Pohjola, Zenón and Monder solo to great effect. Much of the material is from Landmark, but here with Pohjola only on acoustic piano. The extra vitalization made by the alternate keyboard sounds on Landmark makes one miss the complementing timbres.

While Landmark is the album of compositional illumination, Still Alive brings out the musicians' individual solo capabilities more favorably. Zenon's solo contributions on both albums are remarkable, and so are Pohjola's, whose virtuosic playing is seamlessly intertwined with his compositional approach.