From studying music theory with his father to attending Vantaa Music Institute and the Royal College of Music, Mika Pohjola's life has been entwined with both music and the pursuit of knowledge. His work mirrors his desire to journey ever outward, searching for ways to incorporate the various influences and inspirations which have helped him create an oeuvre which defies easy categorization.

AAJ Contributor Maxwell Chandler spoke with the Finnish-raised, New York-resident Pohjola about a fortunate childhood exposed to both jazz and classical music, the integration of folkloric traditions into improvised music, and his latest release, Northern Sunrise (Blue Music Group, 2009).

Check out Mika Pohjola: The Ever Search at AAJ today!