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Track List

1 Wexford Carol 04:20
    by Irish Traditional (Mika Music)
2 Änglaklockor 03:13
    by Felix Stahl, Boy Renard (Universal Music)
3 Bright, Bright the Holly Berries 02:53
    by Alfred Burt (Public Domain in the EU/Arr. Mika Music)
4 Rekiretki 02:22
    by Toivo Kärki, Reino Helismaa (Warner Chappell Music, Inc.)
5 Varpunen jouluaamuna 05:05
    by Otto Kotilainen, Zacharias Topelius (Mika Music)
6 The Little Drummer Boy 03:07
    by Katherine Davis, Henry Onorati, Harry Simeone (EMI Mills Music, Inc.)
7 Helkkää pienet tiu'ut 02:27
    by Toivo Kärki, Reino Helismaa (Warner Chappell Music, Inc.)
8 Betlehems stjärna - Gläns över sjö och strand 05:46
    by Alice Tegner, Ivar Widéen, Viktor Rydberg (Mika Music)
9 Staffan var en stalledräng 03:35
    by Swedish Traditional (Mika Music)
10 Ah, Bleak and Chill the Wintry Wind 02:11
    by Alfred Burt (Public Domain in the EU/Arr. Mika Music)
11 Joulupuu on rakennettu 01:02
    by Finnish Traditional
12 Nisse-polka 03:51
    by Henning Køie (Koda Music)
13 Kling, Glöckchen kling 04:55
    by German Traditional (Mika Music)
14 Jesu Parvule 02:54
    by Alfred Burt (Public Domain in the EU/Arr. Mika Music)
15 Jultomtarnas Marsch 01:29
    by Sophie Lithenius (Mika Music)
16 Tonttujen vahtiparaati - Heinzelmännchens Wachtparade 04:18
    by Kurt Noack (Mika Music)
17 Carol of the Mother 03:16
    by Alfred Burt (Public Domain in the EU/Arr. Mika Music)
18 No koma Guds Englar med Helsning i Sky 02:29
    by Norwegian Traditional, Elias Blix (Mika Music)
19 En stjärna gick på himlen fram 03:51
    by Medieval Traditional (Mika Music)
20 Arkihuolesi kaikki heitä 02:03
    by Leevi Madetoja, Alpo Noponen (Mika Music)
21 White Christmas 02:19
    by Irving Berlin (Irving Berlin Music Co.)

Total Time: 67:26

About Scandinavian Yuletide Voices

Here is a holiday album that offers an alternative to more traditional holiday recordings. In the hands of Finnish-born, then New York-based jazz pianist and arranger Mika Pohjola, the familiar becomes fresh, and the obscure becomes essential.
With vocal performances by Rigmor Gustafsson, Theo Bleckmann, Eeppi Ursin, Sanni Orasmaa, Lisa Werlinder, Kristin Mulders, and others, this is a collection that offers new interpretations of holiday repertoire. Pohjola's arrangements combine Scandinavian traditions with influences from Ireland, Germany and American Christmas music. His Scandinavian heritage serves as the album’s backbone—but with detours through Ireland, Germany, and classic American holiday fare, this offering becomes something of a global celebration of winter spirit.
The album opens with an Irish reel: “Wexford Carol”, sung by Sanni Orasmaa, setting the stage for a journey that crosses borders and traditions with grace. Pohjola’s orchestra, which could be characterized as crisp and luminous, supports the eclectic vocal cast with precision and detailed craftmanship, infusing each piece with its own distinct mood—from joy and wonder, something which could be seen as typical for the holiday season overall.
There are no fewer than four selections from the 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 5/4 time signature “Little Drummer Boy” and a restrained and simplified “White Christmas” with a worn-out piano, provide gentle anchor points, familiar enough to draw listeners in, yet presented with such fresh nuance that they feel reborn.
Scandinavian Yuletide Voices combines Scandinavian Christmas traditions with jazz, chamber music and international holiday repertoire. The album balances familiar classics with lesser-known works, including four Alfred Burt Carols, in newly arranged performances and an international cast of vocalists.

This is a newly remastered edition of the original album from 2025, featuring improved balance, enhanced clarity, and a more refined dynamic range. The remaster stays true to the spirit of the original while offering a cleaner, updated sound.

Recommended for both new listeners and longtime fans who want to experience the album in its best possible form.

For those who prefer the original sound, the CD edition remains available and features the original 2004 master.

Credits

Mika Pohjola - piano & arrangements
Theo Bleckmann - voice
Eirik Fluge - voice
Rigmor Gustafsson - voice
Katja Kullander - voice
Kristin Mulders - voice
Sanni Orasmaa - voice
Eeppi Ursin - voice
Lisa Werlinder - voice

David Ambrosio - bass
Laura Arpiainen - violin
Alan Ferber - trombone
Mark Ferber - drums
Fernando Huergo - bass
Christof Knoche - clarinets & saxophones
Deborah Spiegel - violin
Ayumi Takeshima - violin
Yusuke Yamamoto - percussion & flute

Articles about Scandinavian Yuletide Voices

REVIEW: Mika Pohjola: Scandinavian Yuletide Voices

Mika Pohjola's Yuletide Voices provide us the most refreshing take on holiday music released this year. These self-produced Scandinavian Yuletide Voices are exactly that, Scandinavian, with a disclaimer... there are non-Scandinavian pieces here. Pohjola leads a bright orchestra of voices capably... Read

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