GW Premiere: Tuomo & Markus' Rendition of "Beautiful Boy"

Article Contributed by Missing Piece Group | Published on Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Tuomo & Markus is a new musical project from acclaimed Finnish soul/jazz artist Tuomo Prättälä and singer/songwriter Markus Nordenstreng of The Latebirds. The duo’s music has been described as Nordic Americana and neo folk with distinct jazz, soul and prog-rock influences. Their haunting harmonies complement each other much like in the cases of Simon & Garfunkel or Crosby Stills Nash.

Tuomo & Markus recorded their debut album ‘Dead Circles’ in Tucson AZ. The spontaneous sessions at Wavelab Studios featured many high profile guests, including various members of Wilco, Calexico and The Jayhawks.

Since the fruitful sessions in Arizona Tuomo & Markus have transformed into a stellar 6-piece live band, featuring Finnish jazz trumpet sensation Verneri Pohjola. Jazz and psychedelic influences have become more and more evident at their ambitious live shows, drawing the attention of critics like David Fricke who hailed the band in Rolling Stone Magazine recently and Kevin Cole from KEXP who in turn invited Tuomo & Markus for a live session when they performed in Seattle.

Tuomo & Markus have also recorded several 7" soul singles for Stylart/Timmion Records under the alias Pratt & Moody.

Tuomo & Markus have shared the live video for their cover of John Lennon's "Beautiful Boy," paying tribute to the music icon who will have passed 38 years ago tomorrow. Recorded in the band's hometown of Helsinki, Finland, they were joined by acclaimed Finnish jazz trumpeter Verneri Pohjola and Wilco's Glenn Kotche on drums.

The duo’s music has been featured in various films, documentaries and commercials.

You can catch Tuomo & Markus live soon as well. They're playing in Minneapolis on Dec 21 with the Jayhawks at 1st Ave and then again on January 18 at The Cedar Cultural Center. They also play NYC’s Winter Jazzfest on January 12.

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