In his days with his Trio Toykeat, Rantala emerged as a formidably talented player capable of inspired derring-do that few pianists could match. Yet there was always a feeling that depth had not yet replaced flash, and that when he finally slowed down we would discover whether he had anything to say. Since signing with ACT, depth has indeed replaced flash, and on My Finnish Calendar - his third solo album for the label - he has refined his voice in a solo context that displays a solid understanding of the art. Rantala's calendar is a suite of 12 compositions, each an emotional response to the months of the year. Within the album's overall arc, Rantala succeeds in conveying both the complex feelings the passing seasons arouse as well as the immediacy each month brings From the hymnic response to January as “a month of regret”, to the “summer planning month” of May through to the darkness of November and December, Rantala has the technique to realise his inventive ideas, and the wisdom not to overplay his hand.