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Alexi Tuomarila
About Me
Finnish-born Alexi Tuomarila 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 (UK)
As band leader Tuomarila’s focus goes to the Alexi Tuomarila Trio, Drifter and
Lithium. 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 second album, 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), came out worldwide in June, 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 saxophonist/composer Nicolas Kummert
has toured Mexico, Belgium, UK and played 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.
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.