About:
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 started studying classical piano at an early age at the Espoo Music Academy, Finland, then later jazz and classical piano at the Royal Conservatory in Brussels from 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.
“Make a note: Alexi Tuomarila is one of the next big deals on jazz piano.”
– The Jazz Times
As a 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, Sphere (Edition Records, UK), is available worldwide in stores in May, 2019.
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.
“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
Alexi Tuomarila is currently signed with Edition Records, UK. Tuomarila has released seven albums as a leader, all receiving worldwide attention and critical acclaim from the international press, fans and colleagues. Outside of his own projects, he has shared the stage with the likes of Tomasz Stanko, Kenny Wheeler, Rick Margitza, Joey Baron, Jim Black, Gerald Cleaver, Reuben Rogers, Eric Revis, Bill Evans, Peter Erskine, Anders Jormin, Perico Sambeat, Thomas Morgan, Reggie Washington, Trygve Seim, Andre Fernandes, Tore Brunborg, Nelson Veras and UMO Jazz Orchestra just to name a few.
Today, Alexi is an active member in several projects in Finland, Europe and globally both solo, as band leader and as a sideman. He also performs as a solo pianist and has given solo concerts around Europe.
