Saxophonist Timo Lassy presents new combo on Trio LP

The new Trio album from Finnish tenor titan Timo Lassy is out now on Helsinki's We Jazz Records.

Here's the scoop...

Tenor saxophonist Timo Lassy, one of Finland's leading jazz artists, is back with a new album release Trio on We Jazz Records. The album introduces Lassy's new combo with bassist Ville Herrala and drummer Jaska Lukkarinen.  

The new Lassy sound is tight, swinging and funky, led by the strong and riff-ready sax of the tenorman. That being said, the album's sound is not limited to that of the swinging trio. Lassy's new vision also brings in some subtle electronics (played by Lassy, Dalindèo frontman Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen and Ilmiliekki Quartet pianist Tuomo Prättälä) and lush strings performed by Budapest Art Orchestra as arranged by Finnish artist Marzi Nyman. It's a new sound for Lassy, but one which keeps true to his no-nonsense cookin' on the tenor. 

This combination proves to be a winning one on the album, ranging from the more solemn moments on tracks such as "Sunday 20" and "Sointu" to the all out groovers like "Pumping C" and "Subtropical". The basic three sylinders of the band tenor sax, bass and drums, are strong throughout and the strings add air beneath the wings to really lift things off. Electronics are used as a tasty condiment, not taking over the main course but adding to it just right. 

"We began the process with the bare bones trio but along the way, the sound started evolving into something else" Lassy explains. "That's how I like to work, anyway, while the trio can take this music to great lengths live, on the album I like to paint a fuller, more colourful picture sonically." 

Speaking of painting, the sleeve of the album features the original artwork "Subtropic" by Finnish artist Ilari Hautamäki. "Trio" by Timo Lassy will be released by We Jazz Records as blue and black vinyl editions complete with a heavy duty tip-on sleeve, on CD and digitally. 

Get a copy of Timo Lassy's new Trio album via Bandcamp right here. Watch the video for "Foreign Bodies" and check the audio clips for "Pumping C" and "Subtropical" below. 

Pratt & Moody come up with another deep soul gem "Wheels Turning"

Helsiniki-based production team Cold Diamond & Mink strike again with Pratt & Moody's "Wheels Turning" out October 2nd.

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Pratt has definitely carved his name in flaming letters on the pages of contemporary soul music during the past few years. This has been achieved with the modern classic "Lost Lost Lost" currently clocking close to 2M Youtube plays, as well as its sequel single "Words Words Words" which is also doing well out there in the world. With "Wheels Turning (Gonna Run Away From You)" Pratt skids away from his guitar wielding partner Moody and rides towards a morbid dusk with only Cold Diamond & Mink by his side. 

Those, who are familiar with Pratt's work under his birth name Tuomo Prattala, know that he's a dynamic solo artist, songwriter and musician on his own. So it comes as no surprise, that this new platter brings everything that fans of dark but sweet ballads crave for. The lyrics are loaded with metaphors and we'll let you decipher them for yourself. 

What needs no explanation, is that Tuomo is pitching high as he rolls away, leaving a trail of bitter heartache behind. Have a listen below. Pre-order a copy of the single right here.