REVIEWS

Johanna Juhola Reaktori, Johanna Juhola Trio and Johanna Juhola & Imaginary Friends concert reviews

…The outfit is extraordinary, but so is the music of the Helsinki based accordionist. … Johannas melodies bloom bright red and blue like her instrument. … you're never safe from surprises.  Schwäbische Ravensburg 6.4.2019, (Johanna Juhola Reaktori concert review)

Visit of The Finnish superheroine. Nuernberger Nachrichten April 2019, Wolfgang Reitzammer (Johanna Juhola Reaktori concert review)

Johanna Juhola, currently the most exciting accordion virtuoso in Finland.
Karsten Rube, Folkworld September 2018

Johanna is an innovative accordion music reformer praised by critics…
Road Assistance is a real hit…
Many of the compositions got even deeper with the visual dimension.
Österbottens Tidning 18.2.2018, Kaj Ahlsved (Johanna Juhola & Imaginary Friends concert review)

It all starts with the outfit: Johanna Juhola is completely dressed in bright red, in a cleverly cut dress that only allows two reactions: "Great" or "impossible".
…The outfit is extraordinary, but so is the music of the Helsinki based accordionist.
…Johannas melodies bloom bright red and blue like her instrument.
…you're never safe from surprises.
Schwäbische Ravensburg 6.4.2019, (Johanna Juhola Reaktori concert review)

Visit of The Finnish superheroine.
Nuernberger Nachrichten April 2019, Wolfgang Reitzammer (Johanna Juhola Reaktori concert review)

Johanna Juhola is the new tango queen of Schweinfurt.
Alice Natter, Main Post 26 September 2016 (Johanna Juhola Reaktori concert review)

One of the highlights of last summer’s Haapavesi Folk Festival was the production of Johanna Juhola & Imaginary Friends. The combination of live music, pre-recorded material and videos transported the listener to a different dimension. When the concert was over, we were all suspended in a dream world, somewhere between film and reality.
Paul Silfverberg, Kansanmusiikki magazine 2/2016 (Johanna Juhola & Imaginary Friends concert review)

Audience comments of Johanna Juhola & Imaginary Friends on Facebook:
-“The tremendous Johanna Juhola made my jaw hit the floor and my imagine run wild in her
remarkable Imaginary Friends concert!”
-“Johanna Juhola & Imaginary Friends was rock solid. Musically, visually, and artistically it
was perhaps the best concert I’ve seen on the Kapsäkki stage. It was also very well crafted,
captivating and stylish. World-class stuff!”
-“What a fabulous project! Everyone go see this wherever it is on. It is entertaining,
impressive and contains some highly enjoyable accordion music to boot!”
-“The Kapsäkki theatre team and I want to extend a public ‘thank you’ on social media for the
well-rounded, touching, delightful and enchanting expert performance you gave us. A
knockout!”
-“An incredibly stunning and moving performance, a fantastic treat for the eyes and ears.
Thank you!”
-“An absolutely stupendous and skilful show that generated a wide range of feelings. THANK
YOU!”
-“Wow! I am very impressed! What a terrific entirety. Thank you!”

The visual impact is immediate, thanks to boldly coloured costumes in turquoise, green and red that give the effect of a Pixar-designed team of Finnish superheroes whose special powers, it emerges, are musical brilliance, ease with strangers and witty imagination…
There's a contradiction between Juhola's relaxed body language and amused expression and the furious scrabble of her fingers across the accordion buttons, an essentially relaxed figure making a musical whirlwind that evokes folk tradition, hard bopping jazz, classical formalities and Jerry Lee Lewis, all at the same time.
Tony Benjamin, The Bristol Post 15.4.2013 (Johanna Juhola Reaktori live at Colston Hall, Bristol)

Johanna Juhola Reaktori who provided some much needed injection of joy and light-hearted humour through an incredible sonic and visual performance to the watching audience at Rich Mix, London last Tuesday night...
The combination of a folk/tango band with a rapper and augmented with electronic beats goes to show that the sky is the limit when it comes to creative inspiration for the band.
Andrew Chua, April 2013 (Johanna Juhola Reaktori live at Rich Mix, London)

Everything from Pussy-Cat-Dolls-sounding electronics to Swedish rapping played over the top of consistently flawless and expertly crafted Fantasiatango – the name of the tune written by Juhola for her Eurovision entry in 2007 but which aptly sums up the band’s aesthetic. With quirkiness and originality in both their music and stage presence, the captivating Johanna Juhola and her Reaktori are a treat for tango- and folk-lovers alike.
Craig Macartney, April 2013 (Johanna Juhola Reaktori live at RIch Mix, London)

Juhola’s virtuosic accordion playing set the tone for the evening, with most songs led by driving melodic lines, circling obsessively round certain pitches and motifs, occasionally leading to superbly judged cadential figurations...
I look forward to hearing more of Johanna Juhola Reaktori and I hope these extraordinarily talented musicians continue to synthesise their unique and potent sound.
Desmond Clarke, April 2013 (Johanna Juhola Reaktori live at NCEM, York)

Johanna Juhola Reaktori are certainly an original and joyful band to behold. Their spirit and uniqueness make them a must-see for any tango lover, or anyone who simply appreciates ingenious and skilled musicianship…
Charmaine White, April 2013 (Johanna Juhola Reaktori live at The Stables, Milton Keynes)

Painting a story with their music, Johanna Juhola Reaktori whisk the audience away in an emotion fuelled, musical journey, that visits both comedy and tragedy...
The gig was completely led by emotion. Throughout the course of the evening, Johanna Juhola Reaktori shared ecstatic and uplifting highs as well as dramatic, atmospheric and sombre tones. The quartet needed no lyrics as their instruments truly spoke, sharing a story through musical phrases and movements, evoking a variety of emotions from beginning to end.
Robert Burnham-Rusk, April 2013 (Johanna Juhola Reaktori live at The Junction, Cambridge)

Johanna captivates and seduces the audience with her virtuoso accordion playing and charmingly humorous small talk…
Accordion playing at its hottest!
Johannes Adolfsson, JJ Trio Östersund 2012

Refreshing, different, magical, young, pearl of world music.
Hanne Orrenmaa, Ilkka 8.7.2011 (Johanna Juhola Reaktori: The Limits of Tango -performance review)

Johanna Juhola: Diivan jäljet - Shadow of A Diva (2018) album reviews

The Finnish music scene is not lacking in eccentrics. Even there, accordionist Johanna Juhola is considered an extremely colorful bird. She confirms that on her new album "Diivan Jäljet" (Shadow of a Diva).
Deutschlandfunk kultur 12.3.2018 (Johanna Juhola: Diivan jäljet - Shadow of a Diva CD review)

This is excellent, nothing less. It is highly recommended.
Nils Thorlund, RootsZone 4.3.2018 (Johanna Juhola: Diivan jäljet - Shadow of a Diva CD review)

Johanna Juhola is a confident accordion star who has created her own unique style. Despite shining the limelight on the accordion, her music portrays a strong vision beyond just one instrument.
Tove Djupsjöbacka, Finnish Music Quarterly 2018 (Johanna Juhola: Diivan jäljet - Shadow of a Diva CD review)

Yes, there are also birds of paradise in Finland. In large numbers even and often female. One of the most colorful is certainly Johanna Juhola. Whenever we think of the Finnish accordionist, we inevitably have to smile.
The name Juhola stands for unpredictability. There is only one constant on her albums and that is her fascinating, versatile and technically perfect accordion playing. It gives each piece of music its own personal touch. Whether yearning, zest for life, grief, pain, love, happiness, freshness, comfort - she can express it with her instrument.
Global Music Magazine 23.3.2018 (Johanna Juhola: Diivan jäljet - Shadow of a Diva CD review)

A true free spirit..
Maz Online 13.3.2018 (Johanna Juhola: Diivan jäljet - Shadow of a Diva CD review)

The music is fascinating and touches an unknown depth in the soul and causes goosebumps...Shadow of a Diva is an album that gives joy, energy and desire to new adventures.
Luise Rube, Lira World Music Magazine 2/2018 (Johanna Juhola: Diivan jäljet - Shadow of a Diva CD review)

The opener "Road Assistance" is almost bursting with good humor…
A veritable earworm is the last piece "New Adventure In Candyland", to which I just want to jump up and dance.
Eure Mane / Female Music Network Melodiva (Johanna Juhola: Diivan jäljet - Shadow of a Diva CD review)

The songs of the album leave a strong visual impression. One believes the stories that the artist wants to tell and get grasped as soon as they reach the ear. The professional musician Juhola lets the childish joy of playing run wild. This is rousing and heartwarming. This album makes you happy, believe me and hear it yourself.
Karsten Rube, Folkworld March 2018 (Johanna Juhola: Diivan jäljet - Shadow of a Diva CD review)

Juholas accordion playing technique is superior, without falling into empty showing off, her compositions and arrangements are open-minded and absolutely visionary.
Pekka Koskivaara, Retrokki, 15.1.2018 (Johanna Juhola: Diivan jäljet - Shadow of a Diva CD review)

The innovative accordionist Johanna Juhola is one of those Finnish musicians who have been able to create something really original and recognizable…
’Shadow of a Diva' is an entertaining, multifaceted album, with guest artists, ranging from a rapper to a tango singer, adding further layers of intrigue.
Mari Koppinen, Helsingin Sanomat 2018 (Johanna Juhola: Diivan jäljet - Shadow of a Diva CD review)

Besides jazz, Finnish new folk music is one of our best exports as we market our culture to the rest of the world. Johanna Juhola is clearly one of the best of the best.
Pentti Ronkanen, Suomijazz.com 2017 (Johanna Juhola: Diivan jäljet - Shadow of a Diva CD review)

You can always trust Johanna Juhola: The album Shadow of a Diva from this magnificent and multifaceted artist is once again a wonderful trip in the world of tango and modern folk music.
Paul Silfverberg, Kansanmusiikki 1/2018(Johanna Juhola: Diivan jäljet - Shadow of a Diva CD review)

On this album, Johanna has certainly managed to combine the 'groove' of folk music and the swirls of tango into a very individual sonic world. The album also benefits from Juholas interesting anecdotes printed inside the CD cover!
Ole Nerdrum 2017, Huvudstadsbladet 2017 (Johanna Juhola: Diivan jäljet - Shadow of a Diva CD review)

Duo Milla Viljamaa & Johanna Juhola: Tango DIary (2013) album reviews

Milla and Johanna weave a typically fast and rhythmical tango tapestry that is playful and sparkling.
Suvi Sistonen, Kansanmusiikki magazine 4/2013 (Duo Milla Viljamaa & Johanna Juhola: Tango Diary album review)

By now the collaboration is so flawless that the photograph on the album cover is quite close to the truth - you can almost imagine them playing on one and the same instrument. The rhythm, in particular, is bulletproof. Those who wish to may read Elina Lajunen's diary entries, on which the whole thing is based. I myself was able to picture each situation without having read the booklet, this music is very strongly visual.
Huvudstadsbladet,Tove Djupsjöbacka 11.12.2013 (Duo Milla Viljamaa & Johanna Juhola: Tango Diary album review)

The sense of a long-standing cooperation between the two musicians is self-evident.
Pekka Nissilä Muusikko magazine 2013 (Duo Milla Viljamaa & Johanna Juhola: Tango Diary album review)

Johanna Juhola: Fantasiatango 2 (2012) album reviews

Among my favourite things about the CD is the way that Juhola combines original Tango recordings and her own versions of them; for example there is a fabulous version of the rousing Metro-tytöt song Huulet kylmät kuin jää (Lips as cold as ice).
Suvi Sistonen, Pelimanni 4/12(Johanna Juhola: Fantasiatango 2 album review)

Johanna Juhola is the hidden talent of the Finnish folk scene: she flits like a sprite between Tango and similar music styles, without getting hung up on conventions and boundaries. Her fingers glide across the accordion keys as if there were no tomorrow. There is no keeping up with her seemingly endless imagination and inventiveness.
Norvio’s sounds bring Juhola’s music right into the twenty-first century, whilst achieving a rare balancing act, bringing together Tango, Folk, Electronica and all kinds of obscenity – unfamiliar, yet pure and poignant – the inevitable result of such an unconventional departure from a musical genre.
(Fantasiatango 2 -arvostelu Nordiche musik 2012)

Every song has its own unique flavour built with imaginative soundscapes. Fantasiatango 2 is like a never-ending road movie, where the surrounding sceneries change quickly and everything is characterised by enthusiasm and a free atmosphere.
Johanna Juhola creates deeply expressive themes that really grab you. Fantasiatango 2 is beautiful and enjoyable music with an infectious joie de vivre.
Tommi Koskenheimo, Finnish Music Quarterly, March 2013 (Music review of Johanna Juhola: ‘Fantasiatango 2’)

My it’s good. I don’t understand a word (Bipolär tango) but who cares, it’s great anyway.
Listen, learn, read blog 21.9.2013 (Music review of Johanna Juhola: ‘Fantasiatango 2’)

Johanna Juhola is one of Finland’s most artistically ambitious crafters of contemporary folk music. With her trusty accordion at her side, she forgoes skipping down the familiar path of yesteryear, choosing instead to lead the tradition down a new road.
Suonna Kononen, Karjalainen newspaper, 15 December 2012 (Music review of Johanna Juhola: ‘Fantasiatango 2’)

Johanna Juhola: Fantasiatango (2010) album reviews

The deep emotions of tango and the musical virtuosity of this dream band kicks your heart into overdrive. Johanna Juhola and Eppu Nuotio’s piece ‘Huudetaan’ is a terrific take on everyday life in a relationship.
Mari Koppinen, Helsingin Sanomat newspaper 2015 (Tango orchestra Unto: Yön tummat siivet CD review) The mix of accordion and electronica works tremendously well. The whole record is notably succesfull in all of its far-raching and creative musical innovation. Juhola is also among other things a multi-instrumentalist who loves to combine instruments alongside her main instrument, the accordion, to create arrangements which are distinctive and wonderful. This she does using such instruments as the claviola which she supports with the glockenspiel, an instrument that fits perfectly for the kind of imaginative soundtracks that she is a master of creating.
Accord 2014 (Fantasiatango CD review)

Whether performing solo, with her Reaktori band, duos with Milla Viljamaa and Timo Alakotila or Las Chicas del Tango, Johanna Juhola is the undisputed star of Finland's tango and accordion scene.
Folkworld 2013 (Music review of Johanna Juhola: ‘Fantasiatango’)

Thanks to this naughty innovator, the tango’s lifespan has been extended by at least another century.
Ton Maas, Ode Magazine, Spring 2011 issue (Fantasiatango album review)

Johanna Juhola has been called one of the most interesting innovators of accordion music in Finland. Fantasiatango (Fantasy Tango) has a wonderfully original sound. The communication of Juhola and her two bands is rich, playful, thoughtful and devoted. Professional precision and the ambition of the compositions hold tension in the relaxed flow of the stories. This is true musicianship. (***** five stars)
Saara Pakarinen, Me Naiset magazine, March 2010 (Fantasiatango album review)

The music reminds me of Edward Scissorhands, amusement parks, Buenos Aires tango halls, dark conifer forests and Pippi Longstocking in a toy store. It is at times spirited, at times sad, and at times mystic. As a whole the album it is carefully crafted and intelligent. With enough skill rules can be broken imaginatively. Fantasy tango lives up to its title. When you wish to escape reality, Fantasy tango takes you on a rich mental and musical journey. Try it while waiting for a train or a flight.
Risto Haapsamo, Kaleva 25.2.2010. (Fantasiatango album review)

Fantasiatango (Fantasy tango) is the composition that Johanna Juhola performed in the Eurovision Song contest semi-finals while lifted up near the ceiling of the hall. The same Fantasiatango is now the title of Juhola’s second solo album, and it describes precisely what Juhola’s music is about: fantasy and tango. Echoes of Argentinean Tango Nuevo mix with somewhat naïve amusement park feel, evoking rich images.
Pirkko Kotirinta, Helsingin Sanomat 14.3.2010 (Fantasiatango album review)

Johanna Juhola is a graduate of the Sibelius Academy Folk Music Department, a creative accordionist whose second solo album Fantasiatango (Fantasy tango) is a gold strike. The title sums up the essential: this is tango-based, fresh and joyous fantasy music. The album is full of exuberant colors, clever tricks and gentle playfulness.
Markus Luukkonen, Etelä-Suomen Sanomat 27.2.2010 (Fantasiatango album review)

Fantasiatango is like a fun, diverse soundtrack for a slightly strange day.
Finnish music quarterly 2/2010 (Fantasiatango album review)

Johanna Juhola Reaktori: Tango Roto live album (2010) and concert reviews

Harmonikkataiteilija-säveltäjä Johanna Juhola Reaktori-yhtyeineen tarjoaa upean setin argentiinalaista tango nuevoa uudella live-albumillaan. Kuvitteellisessa tangomaailmassa vallitsee kadehdittava huolettomuus. Tammikuun harmaus unohtuu. Tätä on tango!
Kaisa Pastila, Anna, Tammikuu 2011 (Tango Roto Live -levyarvostelu)

A grin creeps to my face. There is something unsurpassed about listening to Johanna Juhola’s instrumental music in morning rush hour traffic - the oncoming people’s faces suddenly all have a story to tell. As a listening experience, it is comparable to reading a book by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
Antti Karkiainen, Suomen Kuvalehti magazine, 4 February 2011 (Music review of ‘Tango Roto Live’)

The title of Juhola’s previous release ‘Fantasiatango’ describes her music well, reflecting the festivity of Piazzolla and dark soaring airs of Danny Elfman film scores.
Suonna Kononen, Karjalainen newspaper, 22 December 2010 (Music review of ‘Tango Roto Live’)

To get an ensemble like this (Johanna Juhola Reaktori) to make the music is a real jackpot for any performance. Johanna Juhola is not only one of our leading accordion artists but a charismatic performer as well.
Tove Djupsjöbacka, Huvudstadsbladet 15.9.2009 (review of Tango Roto show)

The best part of this tango show is the orchestra. A tip for friends of Argentinean tango Nuevo: the band in the Tango Roto show is excellent. Johanna Juhola Reaktori performs the compositions of Johanna Juhola and Milla Viljamaa with phenomenal skill and wonderful passion.
Mika Saarelainen, Helsingin Sanomat 14.9.2009 (Tango Roto show review)



Kraft: “Max Höjd” (2009) album reviews and concert reviews

Kraft is a collaboration of two virtuosos, Johanna Juhola (accordions) and Pekka Kuusisto (violin). Hence, their playing is super skilled, dancing around technical pitfalls. The combination of a classically singing violin and a tight rap tempo in `One MC, one delay´ is especially exhilarating. The duo’s swing challenges the original Don Johnson Big Band whose vocalist Tommy Lindgren features in this screwball arrangement. As if in passing, the album has gulped down some tango and polska too. Quite a debut.
Pirkko Kotirinta, Helsingin Sanomat 7.3.2009 (Kraft: "Max Höjd" album review)

These super-skilled musicians make genuine, original entertainment as they venture from the fields of accordion and violin to any sounds or genres of music…Johanna Juhola plays Kraft’s contemporary-ethnic-jazz-prog-fusion as her native language, and playing live she takes a great deal of responsibility for the rhythm, harmony, and bass lines. Pekka Kuusisto lets his mischievous nature loose and fills the room with sounds and ideas.
Kare Eskola, Rondo 3/2009 (Kraft: "Max Höjd" album review)

From the first notes of Max Höjd it is made clear that one must give up any hope for defining the genre of this music. It is like impressionistic, cinematic, musical fireworks that flies too high to even try to get a grip of. The two artists abandon themselves to the game called music without shame. Max Höjd is a package of breathtaking virtuosity that makes even the mini grand piano exude professionalism. A mood album capable of changing one’s mood.
Jimmy Träskelin, Pelimanni magazine February 2009 (Kraft: "Max Höjd" album review)

The musicians Pekka Kuusisto and Johanna Juhola are extremely skilled and imaginative. On the first cd of the duo Kraft traditional and electronic music playfully shake hands.
Tuija Halmekoski, Anna magazine February 2008

Kraft’s first cd Max Höjd has come out. It is captivatingly fresh and surprising. The moods of the pieces range from boisterous jamming to ethereal fairy tale scenery with the lightly tinkering mini grand piano, as in `Illusia´. `Valaat ´ (whales) dives into deep oceans with brilliant, electronically spiced sounds.
Päivi Kurkikangas, Apu magazine 2009 (Kraft: "Max Höjd" album review)

The technical skills of the musicians are astounding, but the humaneness and warm humor made the greatest impression. When the artists are this skilled and dedicated to what they do, two is just the right size for an ensemble. There is communication, no schizophrenia. As one half of the group said it, “Perfect”.
Jyrki Kallio, Aamulehti newspaper blog 3.1.2009 (review of a Kraft concert at Suisto club in Hämeenlinna)

The other member of Kraft is accordionist Johanna Juhola, who has made theatre music and is a member of groups such as Troka and Las Chicas del Tango. She proved an excellent partner for the sensitively co-operating duo’s fascinating exploration to the margins of music. It is just on those margins where the most exciting musical experiences often take place. This time the starting point was more or less ethnic music, but the result was very contemporary…
Juhola’s accordion had a full sound and it created magnificent harmonies with the violin. At times her love for the new phases of Argentinean tango could be clearly heard in her atmospheric playing. Both also played a miniature grand piano that sounds like a music box. The effect was childishly magical. As a bonus addition to her own compositions and Rinneradio’s Helmi that was brilliantly treated, Tommy Lindgren appeared to rap a couple numbers from his own group, Don Johnson Big Band. A traditional pelimanni version of One MC, One Delay was especially charming.
Jussi Niemi, Aamulehti (newspaper), December 2006 (Kraft in Tampere Hall)

Pekka Kuusisto can do anything, and when a violin is not enough, he will sing and whistle too. With Johanna Juhola as an equally nimble partner, the music at its best has surprises and the joy of spontaneous invention.
Juhani Koivisto, Kainuun Sanomat, 19.7.2006 (Kraft in Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival)

Sometimes so-called super ensembles just don’t work. Kraft, on the other hand, proved late last Saturday night that at its best, the collaboration of two extremely talented musicians can be very fruitful. Even though the Juhola-Kuusisto duo has an enormous amount of skill, their music did not at any point slip into mere demonstration of technical ability. Kuusisto mentioned during the gig that the hardest thing with the pieces was to make up smart names for them. Listening to Kraft made me think it must be true: so easy did playing seem for both Kuusisto and Juhola. The audience could feel the warmth and joy on stage.
Iikka Taavitsainen, Keskisuomalainen 17.7.2006 (Kraft concert atJyväskylä Summer Festival)

Johanna Juhola and Pekka Kuusisto offered rare delicacies at Kokkola Winter Accordion –festival: a concert based on the duo’s own compositions was brimming with musical joy.
Jimmy Träskelin, Trad 2/2006 (Kraft concert review)

Duo Milla Viljamaa & Johanna Juhola: Mi Retorno (2007) album reviews

Johanna Juhola (born 1978) is the modern accordionist that was lifted onstage impressively in the Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals – one of the recently much-talked-about young Sibelius Academy top musicians. Choosing her to perform in the first Eurovision Song Contest held in Finland was well justified. She is, along with Kimmo Pohjonen, a musician who has created new Finnish accordion art with a fresh touch, and has also become well known internationally. Juhola’s solo album Miette was one of the most beautiful domestic recordings last year. The pieces are more hopeful, funny and playful than the sombre classics of the Finnish tango tradition. Yet they are just as much in touch with the soul, only in a more urban environment. The most delightful example of this is “Tango Hississä” (Tango in an elevator) with Pekka Kuusisto’s playful violin.
Tero Salonen, Aamuposti newspaper 29.6.2007 (Duo Milla Viljamaa & Johanna Juhola: Mi Retorno album review)

Finnish tango is not what it used to be, due to the young folk musicians pianist Milla Viljamaa and accordionist Johanna Juhola. They have distinct composing styles: Viljamaa’s straightforward approach balances Juhola’s mysteriousness and creative fury, or vice versa.
Kaisa Pastila, Eeva magazine July 2007 (Duo Milla Viljamaa & Johanna Juhola: Mi Retorno album review)

Milla Viljamaa ja Johanna Juhola have proven their skills with Astor Piazzolla. On the tango duo’s second album piano and accordion converse open-mindedly. The tango has a sound that is exciting, restless even, elegantly passionate. This is music to take along for a summer evening.
Tuija Halmekoski, Anna magazine 14.6.2007 (Duo Milla Viljamaa & Johanna Juhola: Mi Retorno album review)

Johanna Juhola: Miette (2006) album reviews

Listening to these tunes on this debut solo album you begin to understand the depth of the musician's talent!
Accord 2014 (Miette CD review)

Accordionist Johanna Juhola’s first solo album is wonderful. There is skilful playing, imaginative compositions and arrangements, humour, surprises, sensitivity, originality…. Johanna’s music is golden-rimmed and sunny.
Arja Kangasniemi, Trad (music magazine) 4/2006 (Review of Johanna Juhola’s album Miette)

Listening to these tunes on this debut solo album you begin to understand the depth of the musician's talent!
Accord 2014 (Miette CD review)

Johanna Juhola is doing to accordion in the 21st century what Maria Kalaniemi did in the 1990’s – she combines time-tied musical phenomena into her own, forward-oriented style that reaches an audience outside the traditional folk music circles too. Juhola’s Miette is a convincing solo debut – she has already been an influential member of several bands. Her skills show not only in the virtuosic playing and vivid compositions, but also in her brilliant collaboration with guest musicians.
Kare Eskola, Rondo 7/2006 (Johanna Juhola: Miette album review)

Johanna Juhola follows her own path as a musician and composer and gives new features to accordion as an instrument.
Kimmo Mattila, Hanuri 2/2006 (Johanna Juhola: Miette album review)

Juhola is, along with Kimmo Pohjonen and Maria Kalaniemi, one of the great innovators of accordion music. Disruptions are contrasted to beauty, storm to calm, childhood to aging and cheerfulness to pomposity. Unforgettable and impossibly beautiful.
Tero Salonen, Anna 15.6.2006 (Johanna Juhola: Miette album review)

Spontaneous energy. The music tells stories, the melodies flow with joy and the compositions are well constructed. The solo debut from Johanna Juhola is fresh and fun.
Tove Djupsjöbacka, Huvudstadsbladet 24.5.2006 (Johanna Juhola: Miette review)

reviews of concerts and albums with other bands

The concert was among the best live music experiences this autumn!
Leena Elenius, Kisa- ja kulttuuriturismia blog, november 2013

The foundation of ‘Las Chicas del Tango’ is the super-strong duo of accordion artist Johanna Juhola and pianist Milla Viljamaa, accompanied by soloist Kukka-Maaria Ahonen. It is simply impossible to overlook the power both of their instruments exude – lively, energetic riffs and a brilliant command of tango nuevo, in Juhola in particular. Tove Djupsjöbacka, Huvudstadsbladat newspaper, April 2012 (Music review of Las Chicas del Tango feat. Horacio Ferrer: ‘Tango de Norte a Sur’)

I have listened to a lot of tango over the years (I’m especially fond of Astor Piazzolla’s new tango), and I give this album top rating. The musicians have provided everything listeners need for an authentic tango experience except the macho male dancers and women in spiked heels. You are on your own in that regard.
World music album review blog, Moon Child, Feb 2012 (Las Chicas del Tango feat. Horacio Ferrer: Tango de Norte a Sur album review)

All four musicians have a master of music degree from the folk music department of Sibelius academy, which shows in the way they can keep the music together. They play tightly together even through bursts of time signature variations - a sign of their truly admirable rhythmic skills….the album release gig was a proof of the group’s incredible live energy. The pieces were even more effective than on record, and the master speaker bassist Sara Puljula’s humor was a perfect accompaniment to the music. A band well worth listening to!
Kare Eskola, Rondo-magazine November 2008 (Spontaani Vire: review of Korkea kofeiinipitoisuus album and album release concert)

The group Spontaani Vire playing is both wildly swinging and sharply disciplined…Johanna Juhola (accordion), Sara Puljula (bass), Eero Grundström (pump organ, keyboards), and Emilia Lajunen (violin) make daring mixtures. The tango `Tilda´ makes me think of Aki Kaurismäki’s type of melancholy. Beautiful and perfectly in line with the rest.
Ole Nerdrum, Huvudstadsbladet 1.10.2008 (Spontaani Vire: Korkea Kofeiinipitoisuus –album review)

The album is bursting with sharp, energetic, playfully joyous, virtuosic music…It is a proof or the group members’ composition skills as well, since the compositions are mainly their own. ..During their years together these musicians have woven their playing together to form a seamless texture. The arrangements and instrumentations are interesting and varied and make room for individual instruments in addition to the whole group blasting together.
Arja Kangasniemi, Pelimanni magazine December 2008 (Spontaani Vire: Korkea Kofeiinipitoisuus album review)

Both musicians are solid professionals in their main instruments, piano and accordion. The instruments used in the performance, piano, accordion, portable harmonium, claviola, good old Rhodes piano, and mini grand piano added original extra to the tone colors when backing the vocals and in the instrumental parts of this variegated music. The use of the instruments was controlled in a rational way too, letting their characteristics show in the best possible way. The two musicians performed this huge task easily, professionally, and in keeping with the style.
Toni Hannula, Karkkilan tienoo newspaper 13.8.2008 (Maria de Buenos Aires opening performance, musicians Johanna Juhola and Milla Viljamaa)

As the group had a wide range of instruments, their tone colors were rich and diverse. The pieces performed by Spontaani Vire told stories even though none included vocals or lyrics. It was a great pleasure to listen to and experience this highly skilled and energetic performance.
Sirpa Sutinen, Pogostan Sanomat newspaper 1.5.2008 (Spontaani Vire concert review)

Now it´s her (Johanna Juhola) turn to shine, on this duoalbum. Under Alakotila´s guidance she has blossomed into another of Finland´s stunning accordionists, and has developed her own musical style, retaining the grace of players like Kalaniemi (Maria) yet bringing an almost raw edge to her own compositions. This is CD of sheer joy from two fine musicians. ****
Fiona Talkington, Songlines 3/2008 (Timo Alakotila & Johanna Juhola: Vapaassa Tilassa -levyn arvostelu)

Las Chicas Del Tango has an artistically challenging approach to tango. In addition to classic pieces from Astor Piazzolla and Carlos Gardel the album contains the trio’s own compositions. There are songs written both in Finnish and in Spanish. The last piece on the album, Piazzolla’s tango As Ilhas, sounds exceptionally magnificent as it crescendoes in intensity. Keeping music like this together and in rhythm is challenging for a small group, since Juhola and Viljamaa build on lightness and leaving space between the notes instead of going full steam ahead. The vocalist needs good timing, and Kukka-Maaria Ahonen has it. Her theatrical voice has traces of the sweetness of first love, mother’s warmth, frailty of a consumptive artist, and a bit of an ex-girlfriend’s bitchiness.
Suonna Kononen, Karjalainen newspaper 2.8.2007 (Las Chicas del Tango: La Voz Femenina album review)

These interpretations of Piazzolla and several other classics by Las Chicas del Tango are befittingly fearsome, pushing the envelope of emotion. Compositions of their own find the trio creating a style of their own: a marriage of tango neuvo and ancient Ugrian melancholy. A product of many projects as a duo, Johanna Juhola and Milla Viljamaa play together seamlessly: the suspenseful rhythms hit hard and the resounding bass notes of the grand piano carry the harmonium’s mesmerizing solos. The two musicians utterly trust one another, a necessary element before one can truly submit to the music. The trio’s repertoire would fit in perfectly on any Buenos Aires stage, as their live performance at an autumn album release party most surely can testify.
Kare Eskola, Rondo (magazine) 11/2007 (Las Chicas del Tango: La Voz Femenina album review)

Reverie is one of the best contemporary circus performances I have ever seen. There is nothing too much or too little in this hour-long performance. The performance dares to trust the magical power of slow pace that gives significance to the slightest gesture onstage. The atmosphere and the sovereign skill of the performers take the viewer along for a dive into the unknown regions of the mind.
Annikki Alku, Uutispäivä Demari 16.7.2007 (Reverie, a new circus performance at Jyväskylä Summer festival, music composed by Johanna Juhola and Milla Viljamaa)

Multi-instrumentalists Johanna Juhola and Pekka Kuusisto are natural born performance artists.
Lauri Otonkoski, Helsingin Sanomat (newspaper) 20.1.2007 (Tapiola Sinfonietta’s Symphonic Fantasies in Tapiola Hall)

A woman loses her sense of reality but finds another where old rules do not apply. On the reverse side of daytime consciousness nothing is predictable… Dreams, fantasies, nightmares. The production not only works, it enchants. The dream-like atmosphere is emphasized by Johanna Juhola’s and Milla Viljamaa’s music, furtively soothing into dreaming… The high-heeled cavalcade is hilarious. I would like to see Reverie performed more times.
Jussi Tossavainen, Helsingin Sanomat (newspaper) 6.1.2007 (MedAndraOrd: Reverie 4. -6.1.2007 in Alexander Theatre)

Delightfully, Tsuumi Sound System takes care of the music with skill, and Johanna Juhola’s compositions are kicking.
Lotta Skaffari, Trad (music magazine) 5/2006 (Tsuumi: Gourmet-National Banquet 21.9.2006 in Alexander Theatre)

Troka’s playing is holistic, respectful of tradition and truly professional. The audience remained hypnotized for several seconds after the piece (Juhola: Astoral Polskafantasia) was over. Juhola is a renowned Piazzolla expert – a fact that was clearly audible in the sound worlds created by the piece.
Antti Jnka-Murros, Keskipohjanmaa (newspaper) 17.12.2006 (Troka in Kokkola Conservatoire Hall 15.12.06)

Johanna Juhola sweetens this masculine group. Her highly skilled accordionism is sensitive and expressive.
Hannu Lehtoranta, Trad 2/2006 (Troka: Raharinki album review)

The five-piece Troka excels in energetic, rich-sounding performances of original compositions rooted in traditional music...Astoraalinen Polskafantasia by accordionist Johanna Juhola is an excitingly visual Northern hommage to the Argentinian master Piazzolla.
Pirkko Kotirinta, Helsingin Sanomat march 2006 (Troka:Raharinki)

The repertory at the Ateljeeri consisted of pieces by Argentinian tango composer Astor Piazzolla, but also of works by the members of the duo. These were many-faceted and stylish, with the same deep intoxicating effect as a bottle of good wine.
Jouko Tuomas-Kettunen, Keski-Uusimaa 14.3.2006 (concert by Duo Milla Viljamaa & Johanna Juhola)

As soloist in the concerto, the exceptionally energetic Johanna Juhola proved to be not only an absolute master of the accordion but also a skilled chamber musician. Rarely does one meet a soloist who so completely enjoys making music and communicating it to her audience ... who concentrates on her own performance but still manages to remember she's not on stage by herself, but in cooperation with the ensemble.
Reijo Anttila, Salonseudun Sanomat 22.3. 2006 (Vox Artis Chamber Orchestra with Johanna Juhola, accordion)