JAAN WESSMAN presents NONE FOR THE MONEY, TWO FOR THE SHOW

Finnish multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Jaan Wessman is releasing his long-awaited debut album as a leader. Ranging from prog rock to 60s pop to lofty modern electronica, None for the Money, Two for the Show is a true labour of love and a passionate display of ability and craftsmanship.

Revered, loved and perhaps even a bit feared throughout the Finnish session scene, Jaan Wessman (b. 1974) is a modest multi-instrumentalist who has worked with many chart-topping artists and bands. Especially in his hometown of Tampere he is the first to get the call when a producer needs a brainstorming partner.

A man of many talents, Wessman helped launch the career of platinum-selling rapper Paleface in 2001 and went on to become the de facto bandleader and arranger for his hard-hitting funk septet. A decade later, Wessman was again at ground zero when international heart throb rocker Jonne Aaron (of Negative fame) embarked on a very successful solo career. Like he did with Paleface, Wessman stayed with Jonne Aaron’s live band through the making and touring of his sophomore effort as well.

In addition, Wessman has written string arrangements for Finnish pop and rock mainstays like Apulanta and Yö. He has worked with theater groups from small to extra large since the early 1990s and keeps his chops up with residencies in Top 40 bands and bossa nova, tango and jazz groups. A voracious appetite for good music is satisfied by performing with cover groups in various styles. Wessman has played the drums in a Metallica tribute outfit, the bass in a Pekka Pohjola tribute band and so on.

Ever since the turn of the Millennium, the skilled craftsman has mainly worked as a bass player. After catching the eye and ear of guitarist and composer Mike Keneally in 2002, Wessman has toured the continent in his ensemble on five occasions. In August 2018, the man shared the stage with another Frank Zappa alumnus as Steve Vai appeared with conductor Jukka iisakkila and the Tapiola Sinfonietta in Helsinki to perform the Nordic premiere of ten of his orchestral pieces. Nevertheless, Jaan Wessman was never destined for a supporting role. As proven by None for the Money, Two for the Show, he is a consummate singer, explosive lead guitarist and formidable songwriter.

And there’s more. On his debut solo album, Wessman creates the illusion of a band going full-throttle by handling all instruments and programming himself. The subdued virtuoso manages to tastefully reference many of his influences from Led Zeppelin and The Beatles to Prince and from Björk to Frank Zappa and Stevie Wonder. Even though just released, this album is nothing if not a timeless classic.