Timo Lassy has been a prominent figure in the field of contemporary jazz with firm roots and a strong rhythmic presence ever since the early 2000’s. His work with the Blue Note recording U-Street All Stars, the ever-so-successful The Five Corners Quintet, and of course his own ensemble, the Timo Lassy Band, has gained the man a steady international following in addition to domestic success. His 2007 debut “The Soul & Jazz of Timo Lassy” ranks among the most celebrated releases on the Ricky-Tick label, and Lassy himself, pre “Round Two”, is noted as a force to be reckoned with in any given setting.
The cast of characters on the new album is strictly A-list. The hard-hitting drummer on board, Teppo “Teddy Rok” Mäkynen also co-produced the album with Lassy, and the ensemble is larger than usually heard in both size and effect. Jukka Eskola on trumpet, Georgios Kontrafouris on piano, and Antti Lötjönen on bass are just some of the canny players heard on “Round Two”. The vocalist in residence in none the lesser in importance. In fact, he’s the go-to guy of 21st century vocal jazz, José James.
Timo Lassy and his band will play this year live at selected festivals and clubs. More info on www.timolassy.com