Ismo Alanko Säätiö

Ismo Alanko Säätiö
Background information
Origin	Finland
Genres	Alternative rock, Art rock
Years active	1997–2007
Labels	Poko Records
Associated acts	Ismo Alanko
Past members	Ismo Alanko Jussi Kinnunen Teho Majamäki Kimmo Pohjonen Marko Timonen Samuli Laiho Ville Kangas Jarno Karjalainen Timo Kämäräinen Riku Mattila

Ismo Alanko Säätiö (Finnish pronunciation: [ˈismo ˈɑlɑŋko ˈsæːtiø]) was a Finnish rock group led by Ismo Alanko. The band featured an ever-changing lineup of musicians and can be considered an extension of Alanko's solo career. The band's name is Finnish for "Ismo Alanko Foundation".

Early Säätiö's sound was influenced by folk music and featured Kimmo Pohjonen's accordion in a prominent role. The band played songs from Alanko's earlier career with Hassisen Kone, Sielun Veljet and from his solo career, as well as original songs which were almost exclusively written by Alanko. Their music also had some progressive rock and classical influences. In later years they concentrated on more straightforward rock songs.

Ismo Alanko Säätiö was formed in 1997 during the recording of what became their debut album, Pulu. The original lineup consisted of Alanko himself, accordionist Kimmo Pohjonen, percussionist Teho Majamäki, bassist Jussi Kinnunen and drummer Marko Timonen. In addition to singing, Alanko played guitar, piano and cello on the album.

Pohjonen's avant garde accordion sound had a prominent role in early Säätiö's albums and live performances. Pohjonen would often climb on top of amplifiers or jump around the stage with his instrument. He has been called "the Hendrix of the accordion" by Finnish musical press due to his stage presence and use of electronic effects such as the wah-wah pedal. Alanko has called Pohjonen the band's "solo guitarist".

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