SCANDINAVIAN YULETIDE VOICES - CHRISTMAS CAROLS
by Mika Pohjola with Rigmor Gustafsson, Theo Bleckmann, Eeppi Ursin

Scandinavian Yuletide Voices is nothing short of a revelation—a holiday album that dares to break free from the tired traditions and predictable playlists that so often dominate the season. In the hands of Finnish-born, New York-based jazz pianist and arranger Mika Pohjola, the familiar becomes fresh, and the obscure becomes essential.
With stunning vocal performances by Rigmor Gustafsson, Theo Bleckmann, Eeppi Ursin, Sanni Orasmaa, Lisa Werlinder, Kristin Mulders, and other luminaries, this is a collection that breathes new life into the holiday canon. Pohjola’s vibrant arrangements and imaginative orchestrations elevate these songs far beyond mere seasonal decoration. His rich Scandinavian heritage serves as the album’s backbone—but with elegant detours through Ireland, Germany, and classic American holiday fare, this offering becomes a global celebration of winter spirit.
The album opens with an irresistible Irish reel: “Wexford Carol”, sung with radiant clarity by Sanni Orasmaa, setting the stage for a journey that crosses borders and traditions with effortless grace. Pohjola’s orchestra, crisp and luminous throughout, supports the eclectic vocal cast with precision and warmth, infusing each piece with its own distinct mood—from joy and wonder to introspection and reverence.
Among the album’s many treasures are no fewer than four selections from the beloved Alfred Burt Carols. These rare gems—composed by the American minister’s son whose work has grown into cult status—are lovingly reimagined here, revealing just how timeless and moving these modest but profound compositions truly are.
Yet Pohjola doesn’t shy away from the well-known. A quietly jazzy “Little Drummer Boy” and a gorgeously restrained “White Christmas” provide gentle anchor points, familiar enough to draw listeners in, yet presented with such fresh nuance that they feel wholly reborn.
Scandinavian Yuletide Voices is perhaps the most invigorating holiday release in decades—a masterful blend of tradition and invention, intimacy and grandeur. It’s a rare seasonal album that invites repeated listening, and with each spin, reveals another layer of depth, warmth, and wonder. Simply put: this is how holiday music should sound.

Featuring Rigmor Gustafsson, Theo Bleckmann, Eeppi Ursin, Sanni Orasmaa, Lisa Werlinder and several others, Scandinavian Yuletide Voices provides us the most refreshing take on holiday music released this year. Pianist and composer Mika 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. 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 Trapps been Swedish rather than Austrian. Carol composer Alfred Burt has no less than four selections here. The son of an Episcopalian minister, Burt composed a modest fifteen carols in his short life (he died at 33), but these fifteen pieces have become cult favorites, to be polished and performed. All are pleasantly performed and show that the seasonal spirit may be captured without the benefit of the fatigued standard fare. Not that there is none here. A jazzy Little Drummer Boy and somber White Christmas are also present. That is just so this unfamiliar collection is not too unfamiliar, thereby holding the public's attention just long enough for us to realize the true treasure within.
C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz

http://christmascarols.bluemusicgroup.com