Drummer-composer-producer Teppo Mäkynen leads his newish octet around Finland on a We Jazz and Finnish Jazz Federation -produced tour on 16-26 November. The stellar group, whose two-part debut album came out last autumn, draws from the so-called West Coast jazz of the 1950s and 60s.
Often dubbed as Finland’s number one jazz drummer, Teppo “Teddy Rok” Mäkynen is the frontman of this jazz ensemble that leans heavily on American West Coast style, popular in the 1950s and 60s, for inspiration. This octet manages to sound both airy and dynamic at the same time, thanks to their unusual instrumentation – the drums, the bass and six horns – and composer Jussi Lampela’s classy arrangements.
Despite having only a handful of shows behind them, including appearances at Pori Jazz and Flow Festival, Teddy’s West Coasters have already proven a big deal. With such first-class Finnish jazzers as saxophonist Pope Puolitaival, trumpeter Jukka Eskola and bassist Antti Lötjönen in their ranks, Teddy’s West Coasters released their two-part debut album last year, and both Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 were shortlisted among the albums of the year by some of the most influential Finnish media.
Teddy’s West Coasters finds a source of inspiration in the West Coast jazz, an era beloved by the leading man Mäkynen. Central traits of this genre that developed in the west coast of the United States in the 1950s and 1960s include an effortless swing, melodicity and breezy arrangements. Whilst drawing from this rich and distinctive musical soil especially in formal aspects, a fresh breeze of modernity carries the compositions and arrangements of Mäkynen and co. from the mid-20th century firmly to the 2010s.
“Each musical style has its history and drawing from this history does not, in my opinion, automatically make the outcome retro”, says Mäkynen. “West Coast jazz is our inspirational springboard, but equally important to us is to find a fresh angle to this tradition and, cultivating an ideal of craftmanship, make our hand show in the final product. I am delighted to get the chance to present this gifted group to the audience around Finland.”
Mäkynen’s crew is composed of Jukka Perko who plays alto sax and clarinet on the debut album; baritone sax player Ville Vannemaa; trumpeters Jukka Eskola and Mikko Karjalainen; trombonist Kasperi Sarikoski; tubist Miika Jämsä and bassist Antti Lötjönen. This star-studded octet brims with possibilities, and the leading man does, indeed, make the most of them: the line-up varies from piece to piece, from Mäkynen's solo drumming to the eight players' rich and subtle teamwork, telling a tale of its own of the leader's comprehensive musical vision.
Teppo Mäkynen - drums / Pope Puolitaival - alto saxophone and clarinet / Ville Vannemaa - baritone saxophone / Jukka Eskola - trumpet and flugelhorn / Mikko Karjalainen - trumpet and flugelhorn / Kasperi Sarikoski - trombone / Miika Jämsä - tuba / Antti Lötjönen - bass
Teddy’s West Coasters on We Jazz / Finnish Jazz Federation Tour:
Wed 16 Nov at 19 Espoo, Sello Hall
Thu 17 Nov at 19 Helsinki, Vuotalo
Fri 18 Nov Private Concert
Sat 19 Nov at 19 Oulu, Pohjankartano Great Hall
Sun 20 Nov at 19 Tampere, Tampere Hall
Tue 22 Nov at 20 Lappeenranta, Kolme lyhtyä
Wed 23 Nov at 20 Savonlinna, Wanha Kasino
Thu 24 Nov at 19 Pieksämäki, Poleeni
Fri 25 Nov at 19 Kuopio, Puikkari
Sat 26 Nov at 18 Joensuu, Conservatory Hall
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TWC Volume 1 -video
TWC Volume 2 -video