SO SO:
Smooth

Rockadillo Records ZENCD 2093

So So features the “crème de la crème” of Finnish contemporary jazz musicians. The lead in the four piece band is securely in the hands of saxophonist Olli Ojajärvi, who also plays in the prestigious UMO orchestra. Behind the Hammond organ sits Mikko Helevä who takes care of the bass lines from the same seat in true Doors style. Teppo Mäkynen is a highly merited drummer, in So So he has exchanged the drums for turntables and is now DJ Zäppä. Sami Kuoppamäki is a virtuoso drummer who has been playing in many bands most notably the progressive rock band Kingston Wall. The bands tight and ecstatic grip on their trademark Drum ´n´ Organ style has been honed by numerous gigs around Europe.

So So’s debut album Smooth serves up couple of covers of jazz standards as well as own fresh compositions by the band members. The album includes also a Radiohead cover “No Suprises” which takes original britpop into new territories.

Olli Ojajärvi (s. 1971, saxophone) has played solos and made recordings for UMO Jazz Orchestra since the year 2000. Ojajärvi has featured in Samuli Edelman and Don Huonot albums. He is giving lessons at The Helsinki Pop & Jazz Conservatory and Sibelius Academy.

Mikko Helevä (s. 1970, Hammond, piano) is playing with many bands, for example The Bronson, Petri Puolitaival Quartet and Mikko Pettinen Organization. He has performed in clubs and festivals in Finland (for example Pori Jazz, Imatra Big Band Festival, Kainuun Jazzkevät). Helevä has performed Hammond B3 solos for UMO Jazz Orchestra as well as played piano. He has took lessons from Larry Goldings, Kenny Werner and Jim McNeeley. Helevä is giving lessons at Sibelius Academy.

Sami Kuoppamäki (s. 1971, drums) has played with for example Angel Dust, Kingston Wall, Groove Convention, Anssi Tikanmäki Orchestra and SaloRantala Soi. He has made recordings and performed with Stratovarius, RinneRadio, Rajaton, Sami Saari and Hasse Walli. Kuoppamäki has played in TV studio bands and co-operated with theaters. He has studied in Los Angeles and New York and is giving lessons in Sibelius Academy and The Helsinki Pop & Jazz Conservatory.

Teppo Mäkynen aka Dj Zäppä (s. 1974, turntables) is better known as a drummer. He is playing drums with for example NuSpirit Helsinki, Teddy Rock Seven, J. Perko & Hurmio and Reuna. Mäkynen has made Dj-gigs with featuring solists and remixed for example Kalle Ahola and Hurmio. He was the ”Young artist of the year” in 2000 by Finlands Festivals. Mäkynen is giving lessons at Sibelius Academy.

More information:
Rockadillo Records
Tel. +358-3-213 1260, fax. +358-3-213 1297
records@rockadillo.fi www.rockadillo.fi