Over the last ten years, Finnish pianist and composer Alexi Tuomarila has earned considerable attention across continental Europe as a musician of incredible natural talent and promise. In 2004, following numerous first prize awards at various international jazz competitions, he was signed by Warner Jazz France, aged 25, for a three album deal. This brought worldwide attention and critical acclaim from the international press, fans and musicians.
Outside of his own projects, Alexi has been playing as a sideman with the likes of the Tomasz Stanko, Andre Fernandes, Kenny Wheeler, Rick Margitza, Mats Eilertsen, recording for numerous labels including ECM, Warner Music, Jazzaway Records and performing throughout Europe, Australia, Asia and the US.
In April 2013, Alexi returned to the trio format and united again with his long term associates and friends, bassist Mats Eilertsen and drummer Olavi Louhivuori, to release Seven Hills on Edition Records. The album reignited the flare and drive that was evident on his earlier releases and pushed Alexi firmly into the international jazz scene as one of the most exciting pianists of his generation.
Joined by the rising star Portuguese guitarist André Fernandes on three tracks, the music on Seven Hills is engaging, free flowing and teeming with a raw energy driven by strong melodic and rhythmical compositions.
The Alexi Tuomarila trio is a group forged together so strongly that the musicians find themselves working together in multiple contexts. Tuomarila has created a sensation with his trio with Mats Eilertsen and Olavi Louhivuori, highlighting his melodically and rhythmically robust compositions and the trio’s almost telepathic communication. This music is filled with emotional and melancholy warmth balanced with a rhythmical drive.
