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Alexi Tuomarila Solo
“Tuomarila’s playing, a rich, expansive vocabulary that is never flaunted but put to compositional ends within the framework of his improvisations, has a very Scandinavian feel to it: a lyrical intensity that eschews prolixity, and a folk song-like flavor…mixed with a touch of a of the profound melodicism of Sibelius.” – Stuart Nicholson/Is Jazz Dead?
Finnish-born Alexi Tuomarila (b. 1974) is a well known name in the European Jazz scene both as a pianist and as a composer. With extensive touring behind him as a leader as well as a sideman, Tuomarila has become a regular in many European jazz projects.
Tuomarila studied classical piano from an early age at the Espoo Music Academy (Finland) then later jazz and classical piano at the Royal Conservatory in Brussels where he graduated with a Masters degree. Tuomarila has made a considerable impact in Europe winning numerous prizes and awards, including Monaco, Granada, Avignon and Brussels.
“Tuomarila can dazzle with extended linear runs, a blur of notes fusing into melodic arcs, or dig in and groove developing motifs and letting them grow.”
– London Jazz News
As band leader Tuomarila’s focus goes to the Alexi Tuomarila Trio and Drifter. The Alexi Tuomarila Trio he forms together with his long term associates and friends, bassist Mats Eilertsen and drummer Olavi Louhivuori. This scandinavian trio’s critically acclaimed Seven Hills (Edition Records, UK) reignited the flare and drive that was evident on Tuomarila’s earlier releases and pushed Alexi firmly into the international jazz scene as one of the most exciting pianists of his generation. The band’s most recent release, Kingdom (Edition Records, UK), is available worldwide in stores in May, 2017.
Drifter, a quartet formerly known as the Alexi Tuomarila Quartet first came to international attention with the release of Voices of Pohjola in 1999 on the Belgian label Igloo/AMG. The success of the record resulted in Warner France signing the quartet for the release of their next album, O2. Drifter, co-led by Tuomarila and Belgian saxo-phonist/composer Nicolas Kummert is now touring Mexico, Belgium, UK and playing festivals such as the North Sea Jazz Festival (NL) to promote their latest release Flow (Edition Records, UK).
Tuomarila has released seven albums as a leader, all receiving worldwide attention and critical acclaim from the international press, fans and musicians.
Outside of his own projects, Alexi has shared the stage with the likes of Tomasz Stanko, Kenny Wheeler, Rick Margitza, Joey Baron, Jim Black, Bill Evans, Peter Erskine, Anders Jormin, Perico Sambeat, Reggie Washington, Eric Revis, Gerald Cleaver, Trygve Seim, Andre Fernandes, Tore Brunborg, Nelson Veras and UMO Jazz Orchestra just to name a few.
“Make a note: Alexi Tuomarila is one of the next big deals on jazz piano.”
– The Jazz Times
Tuomarila is a member of several active projects like Andre Fernandes Dream Keeper, Mats Eilertsen SkyDive, Tomasz Stanko Quintent, Eero Koivistoinen Quartet, Manuel Dunkel Quartet, Lionel Beuvens Quartet, Skinny Jenny. Tuomarila also performs as a solo pianist and has given solo concerts around Europe.
