Born Lassi Lehto, Lahti, Finland. Tenor is an eccentric multi-instrumentalist (flute, saxophone and keyboards) and composer who recorded four albums in his native Finland as part of the experimental Shamans. Tenor, whose pseudonym is taken from Little Jimmy Osmond and his love of the tenor saxophone, relocated to Berlin, Germany and then New York, USA, substituting photography and film for music before releasing his solo debut, Sähkömies in 1994.
The album featured laid-back, ironic jazz material, which was recorded in his kitchen. His second album, Europa, was released in 1995 and it was during a promotional tour of European clubs that he was discovered by the UK's Warp Records.
His debut release for the label, 1997's Intervision, was met with widespread critical acclaim. The album was a dazzling amalgamation of styles including glam rock, electro, jazz and "lounge" music, all given a wry twist.
The sexual lyrics and whispered delivery of "Can't Stay With You Baby' drew comparisons with Barry White but the most noteworthy points of reference were film soundtrack composers such as John Barry and Lalo Schifrin.
Recorded in Berlin, London, Barcelona, New York and Finland, 1999"s Organism was again widely praised. It continued to show cinematic qualities alongside other seemingly incongruous elements such as gospel, hip-hop and even the Finnish 60-piece Pro Canto Choir.
Critics suggested other influences including Afrika Bambaataa, Parliament and Sun Ra. Out Of Nowhere, released in July 2000, was another ambitious project, featuring the 60-piece Orchestra of the Great Theatre Lodz, the Pro Canto Choir and a multinational cast of guest musicians.
The usual influences were augmented by oriental and Indian textures.
Source: http://www.talktalk.co.uk/music/biography/artist/jimi-tenor/biography/6294
