Fredagar på Sibbe: Verneri Pohjola – Monkey Mind

Trumpeter-composer Verneri Pohjola will release his long-awaited new album “Monkey Mind” in
November 2023. The name of the album refers to the uneasiness or restlessness of the mind. “When
the mind is burdened with chaos and excessive stress, everything feels chaotic. The mind is filled with
doubt about your own sufficiency, worthiness or ability. With the songs on the album, I have especially
tried to face my own monkey mind and greet it kindly,” says Pohjola.

The new record also brings with it a new kind of lightness. Pohjola has composed new songs
regardless of whether they are “jazz” enough or “new” enough. He simply wanted to enjoy making
music on his own again.

Pohjola got a real dream group for his album, each member of which is top class in Europe, both in
terms of their own careers and musically.

“I was finally brave enough to ask exactly the musicians I truly wanted to join this. I have enjoyed
British pianist and organist Kit Downes‘ playing since the first time I heard it. Kit’s playing sounds
effortless, is easy to understand, but it’s, deep, sensitive and wonderfully abstract at the same time. I
had a strong feeling that I would like to have him on this album. The entire personality of Danish-born
bassist Jasper Høiby radiates bright, positive energy, and he invests in band work with a particularly
admirable dedication. When I thought about these two musicians in the same band, Olavi Louhivuori
automatically came to mind as the drummer. Olavi’s musical and human presence is pure gold. We
have been playing together in various formations since 2001,” Pohjola describes.

“I also had had the idea for a while to work on music with an artistic producer. For this music Tuomo
Prättälä was absolutely number one guy for this. He knows me and my music very well and wanted to
have his wide perspective to help me get the most out of these tunes, not just as a jazz album, but as
an inventive and imaginative venture in music. He’ll will most likely be joining us live as well”, says
Pohjola.

Known for his innovative style and dynamic playing, Verneri blends traditional and modern elements to
create a sound that is both unique and captivating. He has received numerous accolades for his
albums and electrifying live performances, earning him a reputation as one of the most talented jazz
musicians of his generation.

Monkey Mind was released on Edition Records on 3rd November 2023.

LINE-UP
Verneri Pohjola, trumpet and effects
Tuomo Prättälä, piano
Jasper Høiby, double bass
Olavi Louhivuori, drums

Tickets 15€/25€. NB. Concert tickets cannot be bought with the Museum Card.