A Nocturnal Affair is a composition by Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen for Timo Lassy and the UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra. Premiered in 2014 and named event of the year, the work has not suffered from inflation in ten years.

The dialogue between these two groovy jazzmen gives rhythm to the musical experience, which is more than an everyday concert. It’s a deep, complete experience where the highest level of Finnish jazz is crystallized in a rare intersection. The traditional concert concept is challenged by bringing in the elements of beat poetry to the stage. The texts written by Karri “Paleface” Miettinen give voice to the main character of the story, the lover of the night.

Written & directed by: Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen

Starring: Timo Lassy & UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra

Screenplay by: Karri Miettinen

Saxophonist Timo Lassy (b. 1974) is known as one of the most brilliant Finnish jazz musicians, whose fanbase and influence reach far beyond the jazz scene. As a soloist Lassy is charismatic, original and always a little dangerous. Having won both the Emma Award for Jazz Album of the Year and the Yrjö Award, the most prestigious award in Finnish jazz music, Lassy has also increased his profile abroad in recent years. www.timolassy.com

Composer, arranger, conductor, musician and producer Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen (b. 1978) is known as one of the most original and successful innovators of Finnish jazz in recent years. The long lasting popularity of Dalindèo and huge success of Ricky-Tick Big Band & Julkinen Sana are strong evidences of his work’s quality. In Pöyhönen’s music, the refined elegance and the raw swing of his current hometown, Berlin, pulse side by side. The music of the award-winning versatile musician and producer has a strong sense of cinematic visuality. www.valtterilaurell.com

Photos/artwork: Antti Eerikäinen