Biography
Kaj-Matti "Masa" Oiling (November 20, 1942 – November 5, 2009) was a legendary Finnish jazz drummer, composer, and drum teacher. He is widely recognized as a foundational figure in the Finnish jazz, soul, and rhythm and blues scenes.
Musical Career
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Oiling was a prolific performer who played with numerous prominent Finnish ensembles throughout his decades-long career.
Oiling Boiling: He is best known as the leader of his own group, the Matti Oiling Happy Jazz Band (later renamed Oiling Boiling), which fused jazz, funk, and swing.
Band Memberships: Over the years, he was an integral member of popular bands such as Jormas, Jussi & The Boys, the Pentti Lasasen Studio-orkesteri, and the Seppo Rannikko Big Band.
Session and Live Work: He regularly contributed as a versatile session musician and sideman across multiple musical genres, from jazz to rock and blues.
Discography & Legacy
As a bandleader, Oiling released a handful of highly regarded albums that have since become cult classics among jazz and funk collectors, notably via labels like Finnlevy and Jazzpuu.
Notable Albums: His eponymous Matti Oiling Happy Jazz Band album (recorded in October 1970) remains a standout release in Finnish jazz-funk history.
Key Tracks: Some of his most celebrated compositions and recordings include "Oiling Boiling", "Cyclops Dance", and "Pässi ja porkkana".
Electronic Resurgence: In later years, his work found a new audience worldwide through electronic music remixes, including a notable electronic remix of "Cyclops Dance" by Pepe Deluxé and a Kenny Dope remix of "Boiling Oiling".
Educational Impact: Beyond the stage, Oiling became a renowned drum instructor, authoring drum instructional books such as Rumpalin ABC to mentor younger generations of Finnish drummers.
Oiling passed away suddenly at the age of 66 on November 5, 2009, in Fuengirola, Spain, while active on tour with his band
Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.