The heavy meta of Teppo Mäkynen

As a band member, Teppo Mäkynen always delivers the goods with subdued elan, grace and attention to style. As a band leader, he has always had a keen eye for concepts. Beginning with various alter egos like Teddy Rok and (imaginary) bands such as The Five Corners Quintet and The Stance Brothers, the drummer and producer has invariably chosen to distance himself from the subject at hand. Be it just a marketing ploy or some form of uncertainty, the world is still waiting for a release under his own name.This ”meta-approach” continues with Mäkynen’s latest offering as a leader.

But let’s let psychologists tackle any possible persona issues and concentrate on the music. 3TM sees Mäkynen joining forces with saxophonist Jussi Kannaste and bassist Antti Lötjönen for the creation of exciting, novel and often surprising material.

Displaying Mäkynen’s love for trad jazz and his roots in hip hop and sampling, Form is a calm and collected trip through uncharted territories. It seems that at the age of 43, Mäkynen has truly managed to calculate and crystallise his essence as an artist in the here and now.

This bold and beautiful album that goes from drowsy chamber jazz to ambient stylings to Phillip Glass-like arpeggio repetition (and beyond) could well have been released bearing Teppo’s full name. Because sometimes being Clark Kent rather than Superman is enough. And more functional. 

3TM: Form
Teppo Mäkynen, drums & sounds
Jussi Kannaste, tenor saxophone
Antti Lötjönen, bass
We Jazz Records WJLP05/WJCD02/WJCS03

Form won the Emma Award 2017 in the jazz album category.