Jazz Articles about Mikael Mani

About Mikael Mani

Album Review

Mikael Máni: Nostalgia Machine

Read "Nostalgia Machine" reviewed by Geno Thackara

by Geno Thackara
October 3, 2021

Mikael Máni understands what's perhaps the most important thing about nostalgia: even if it's a near-universal thing, the experience is still different for everyone. Consequently, his personal Nostalgia Machine isn't so personal that it feels particularly tied to him, or even to any place or time. His variety of semi-abstract Nordic jazz gets at the kind of mood that underlies nostalgic feelings—thoughtful, reflective, vaguely dreamy—while staying open and accessible enough for anybody to enjoy on any level. If ...

Album Review

Mikael Mani: Bobby

Read "Bobby" reviewed by Franz A. Matzner

by Franz A. Matzner
May 3, 2019

Icelandic guitarist Mikael Mani's debut release is a poised, rewarding set of original compositions inspired by events surrounding Bobby Fischer's capture of the world chess championship in 1972. Held in Iceland, the politically charged bout took place against the backdrop of the cold war and garnered worldwide attention. Less well known is the subsequent close relationship between Iceland and Fischer, whose life became one of personal and political controversy, leading to his eventual residence in Iceland, which harbored ...