Mikko Pellinen (b. 1983) is part of the new generation of jazz in Finland. Originally from Kokkola, he started his music studies with electric bass at age of ten. Soon after he became more and more interested in writing music and began to study composing. After high school he continued his studies in the pop & jazz department of Helsinki Polytechnic school Stadia, graduating in 2008. At the time he is doing Master's degree at the Sibelius-Academy Jazz Music Department, majoring in jazz composition. His composing teachers include Kari "Sonny" Heinilä and Jere Laukkanen among others. He has studied electric and double bass with for example Hannu Rantanen, Ari-Pekka Anttila and Ulf Krokfors.
As a composer his main focus is on his own group Mikko Pellinen Mini Big Band. Founded in 2007, group consists of eight talented young jazz musicians. The groups music is eclectic, changing from lyrical moods to a big, strong sound. Debut album of Mini Big Band will be recorded in late 2009. Pellinen has also composed and arranged music for jazz groups, theater, short movies and dance performances.
Besides composing and arranging work Pellinen is also known as an versatile musician and conductor. Playing both electric and double bass (and sometimes piano) he has performed with a broad range of different acts in Finland and abroad. His past and present work includes collaboration with jazz groups (Maratone Quintet, Herd, Tribute to Ella, William Suvanne), world music groups (Värttinä), hip-hop bands (Robert's Street Fighters), orchestras & big bands (Keski-Pohjanmaan kamariorkesteri, Vaasan kaupunginorkesteri, Finnish Junior Allstars Big Band), pop groups (Anu Neuvonen, Arosa Ensemble) etc.
