Biography

Helsinki's We Jazz Records presents Ateneum 2019, part 2 of their ongoing We Jazz Live Plates series documenting the label's live activity. Recorded at the historic Ateneum Art Museum in Helsinki during spring 2019, the intense live compilation brings together three acts on the label's roster: Timo Lassy & Teppo Mäkynen, OK:KO and Alder Ego, each performing two tracks here.

OK:KO opens proceedings with their sound electrified by Toomas Keski-Säntti changing from piano to Fender Rhodes, a little touch that opens up new avenues in their sound. The band who made a big splash with their 2019 debut album Syrtti, present energetic new versions of the title track and the looping Piik. Alder Ego, led by drummer Joonas Leppänen, shifts gears with a new deep version of their 2018 album track Cubism, and add a new track Mystery Room Nr. 6 into the mix. Timo Lassy & Teppo Mäkynen strecth out their compact tracks Fallow and Goldenrod, which grow into new length and depth in the live setting.

Ateneum 2019, released together with Lonna 2019 (We Jazz Live Plates vol. 3), is an inspiring example of the active and high quality jazz scene in Helsinki.

"A fine progressive mix of creations."
– John Osborne / Jazz FM

"Nice!"
– Toshio Matsuura / Worldwide FM

"Brilliant!"
– Marcus Rosario / Darker Than Wax

OK:KO
Okko Saastamoinen, drums / Jarno Tikka, saxophone / Toomas Keski-Säntti, Fender Rhodes / Mikael Saastamoinen, bass

Alder Ego
Joonas Leppänen, drums / Tomi Nikku, trumpet / Jarno Tikka, saxophone/ Teemu Åkerblom, bass

Timo Lassy & Teppo Mäkynen
Timo Lassy, saxophone / Teppo Mäkynen, drums

Tracklist

1. OK:KO: Syrtti
2. OK:KO: Piik
3. Alder Ego: Cubism
4. Alder Ego: Mystery Room Nr. 6
5. Timo Lassy & Teppo Mäkynen: Fallow
6. Timo Lassy & Teppo Mäkynen: Goldenrod