Helsinki, Finland based Electronic Jazz/Fusion project Laurell & Sun Dog released the first single “Lester The Jester” taken from upcoming new album “Mingling with...” due out on October 27, 2023 via Eclipse Music. Purchase and Stream the track on bandcamp:
Introducing Laurell & Sun Dog, the latest musical venture of renowned composers and multi-instrumentalists, Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen and Eeti Nieminen. This dynamic duo has crafted their music from spontaneous jam sessions, resulting in a unique blend of genres and styles. Their debut album, “Mingling with…” is set to release on 27th October 2023, available in LP, CD, and streaming formats. Celebrations for the album’s launch are scheduled with live performances at Helsinki’s Tenho on 2nd November and at the Tampere Jazz Happening on 3rd November.
The music of Laurell & Sun Dog reflects the diverse musical tastes of its creators. While both are recognized figures in the jazz scene, their music is a postmodern concoction of afrobeat, Weather Report, hiphop, and influences from Ornette Coleman, all filtered through a punk and DIY ethos.
All tracks on the “Mingling with Laurell & Sun Dog” album are self-produced and mixed by the artists. The album, a culmination of sessions at various rehearsal spaces, home studios, and Villa Vikan‘s residency, features a trio of wind instruments: Mikko Innanen on saxophones, Janne Toivonen on trumpet, and Heikki Tuhkanen on trombone. Live performances will also feature Eero Tikkanen on bass.
Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen, born in 1978, is a Helsinki-native composer, Jazz musician, and music producer. He’s celebrated for his innovative rhythm music concepts and artistic storytelling. Pöyhönen‘s primary bands include the 2004-founded Dalindèo and the 17-member Ricky-Tick Big Band established in 2010. He composes, arranges, and produces all tracks for both bands.
Dalindèo‘s 2013 album “Kallio” was awarded the Jazz Emma and was a nominee for the Teosto Prize. The album achieved an unprecedented 13th position on Finland’s official album chart. With over 200 concerts in 13 countries, Dalindèo has achieved cult status among Finnish Jazz bands, boasting a broader audience than most.
Ricky-Tick Big Band, with four albums to their name, has collaborated with Rap artists Paleface, Tommy Lindgren and Redrama. They’ve performed at major domestic festivals and venues, including Germany’s Moers Festival and Stockholm’s Kulturfestival. The band achieved unparalleled success for a Jazz ensemble, with most of their 80 concerts between 2013-2019 being sold out.
In 2023, Pöyhönen introduced the 9-member Valtteri Laurell Nonet, with their debut album “Tigers Are Better Looking” released by Helsinki’s We Jazz Records.
Drummer Eeti Nieminen, born in 1988, is a versatile musician known for his work with the successful Jazz trio Mopo and the Jimi Tenor band. Nieminen, also a DJ under the moniker Sun Dog, has collaborated with numerous artists and is currently building a studio while contemplating new productions.
Laurell & Sun Dog – Live:
2.11. Tenho Restobar, Helsinki
3.11. Telakka, Tampere Jazz Happening
Tracklist:
- Lester the Jester
- Seesaw
- Carnivale
- Morning Dew
- Point Nemo
- Until We Meet Again
- Hazelnuts
- Dugong Dreams
- Lamento Arabesque
- Alien Girlfriends
- Magic Dark
Credits:
Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen / Guitar, Keyboards
Eeti Nieminen / Drums, Vibraphone
Mikko Innanen / Sax, Track 1-3, 5-6, 8 & 10
Janne Toivonen / Trumpet, Tracks 1-3, 5-6, 8
Heikki Tuhkanen / Trombone 1-3, 5, 8
Rasmus Pailos / Perc 3-4
Eero Tikkanen / Bass, track 9
