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Track List

1 Charles River, Part I 04:09
    by Mika Pohjola
2 Miles Forgot his Scores in Providence 03:43
    by Mika Pohjola
3 Section Conversation, Part I 03:59
    by Mika Pohjola
4 Waking Up in Lechmere 04:34
    by Mika Pohjola
5 Seductive Lobby on Mass Ave 04:21
    by Mika Pohjola
6 Charles River, Part II 03:58
    by Mika Pohjola
7 Setting Up for 1W 01:52
    by Mika Pohjola
8 Remembering Woburn 02:53
    by Mika Pohjola
9 Section Conversation, Part II 03:56
    by Mika Pohjola
10 Getting an X Piano Room 04:26
    by Mika Pohjola
11 Calculating at MIT 03:19
    by Mika Pohjola
12 The Smell of MBTA Commuter Rail 02:53
    by Mika Pohjola
13 Downtown Crossing After Dark 04:04
    by Mika Pohjola
14 Getting Sevens in Ensemble Ratings 01:52
    by Mika Pohjola
15 Charles River (Reprise) 01:07
    by Mika Pohjola

Total Time: 51:06

About The Sound of New England, Vol 2

Recorded in July 2022, The Sound of New England, Vol. 2 explores the urban atmosphere of Boston and the academic environment of Eastern Massachusetts. In contrast to the solo piano format of Vol. 1, this album combines electro-acoustic textures, orchestral elements, and influences from rock, psychedelic music, jazz, and contemporary classical music.

The harmonic language is rooted in jazz, while funk-inspired rhythms and polymetric structures contribute to the album's varied musical character. Throughout the recording, acoustic instruments are combined with electronic sounds to create a broad sonic palette.

Several compositions are inspired by specific places and experiences in the Boston area. Charles River reflects the city's waterfront landscape, while Remembering Woburn is dedicated to the victims of the Woburn cancer cluster. The Smell of MBTA Commuter Rail captures an everyday aspect of regional transportation, and pieces such as Seductive Lobby on Mass Ave, Setting up for 1W, Getting an X Piano Room, and Getting Sevens in Ensemble Ratings draw inspiration from student life at Berklee College of Music.

Building on more than three decades of recording and composing in New York City and Stockholm, Mika Pohjola combines jazz, classical, electronic, and contemporary influences into a cohesive musical work. The album reflects both the energy of urban life and the experiences of studying, commuting, and creating music in New England.

The Sound of New England, Vol. 2 presents an instrumental portrait of Boston and Eastern Massachusetts, combining original compositions with a wide range of musical influences in a contemporary electro-acoustic setting.

Credits

Mika Pohjola - all instruments & sound