Departing the Wasteland Alexi Tuomarila

• 1 Towards Dark Light 06:45
• 2 Gaman 05:11
• 3 Watchtower Hill 06:15
• 4 Inner Wasteland 06:02
• 5 August 06:20
• 6 Moreeni 06:02
• 7 Aether 01:32
• 8 Circle 05:29
• Total Runtime 43:36

Info for Departing the Wasteland

Departing the Wasteland, the new album by Finnish pianist and composer Alexi Tuomarila, marks the beginning of a new creative flowering for him and also 20 years of playing with the trio that’s at the heart of the album: Mats Eilertsen on bass and Olavi Louhivuori on drums. Portuguese guitarist Andre Fernandes and guest players add richness and texture to the trio sound which incorporates electronics and synthesised moods and tones.

The album traces its origins to two key events. First, from the dark days of Covid, when the experience of isolation, recognition of ageing, career insecurity and imposter syndrome forced Alexi to reconsider his role as an artist, a Finnish pianist and musician and finally led to rehabilitation and redemption, reigniting his love for the music and returning to a more pure practice – departing the wasteland indeed. Second, a commission to write for trio and symphony orchestra led to Alexi rethinking the way he composed: a change from the less structured practice of writing heads and improvising, to writing considered parts, thinking more deeply about the music as a whole and group rehearsals.

The actual recording took place in Porto – Alexi was struggling to find a studio free in Finland with a great grand piano when Andre suggested the Cara Studios in his home city – but the music is powerfully in the Finnish tradition, deeply emotional and impressionist. Alexi’s extraordinary talent still shines brightly, but it’s now informed by a new depth and maturity and his conception and writing illustrate the development as a man and a musician he has undergone.

Musically, the long serving trio mesh beautifully, providing a springboard both for Alexi’s powerful and emotional work, and for Andre’s incisive electric guitar. Depth comes in the form of complex arrangements that are never busy, washes of synth and post-production work which take it out of the realm of piano-led jazz into something much more interesting. In fighting his demons Alexi has produced a work of art that reflects his own growth as a pianist and composer and one that deserves, and will find a wider audience.

“Working with Mats and Olavi for 20 years provides an opportunity. With so much mutual understanding “”we are able to interact and communicate in a way that feels both intuitive and instinctive. There’s no longer any fear of getting lost in the creative process and not finding our way back. For knowing someone for so long gives us an opportunity to explore the unknown together and opens the door to exploring uncharted territory/discovering the unknown. For this album not only marks 20 years of playing together but a start to a new era of writing and creativity. I feel like I’m just getting started, somewhat reborn, and that excites me to explore new musical ideas and discover new ways to interpret my playing as well as how we play together as a trio. I’m eager to push the boundaries of what we can create together as a trio and to look at things from perspectives different from what we’re used to.” Alexi Tuomarila

For more than 15 years Alexi Tuomarila has been quietly building a considerable reputation as one of the finest pianists of his generation in Europe. In 2003 he signed with Warner Jazz France, releasing the album ‘02’ ’, which brought him worldwide attention and critical acclaim. He shared the stage with some of the biggest names in jazz, his international career and talent fast developing when, without warning, Warner Jazz ditched their jazz and classical department. He then worked for a decade with Polish trumpeter legend Tomasz Stanko, playing piano on the acclaimed album Dark Eyes for ECM Records, and collaborated with his current drummer Olavi Louhivuori (Oddarrang) with whom he continues to record for Edition.

Alexi Tuomarila, piano, synthesizers
Andre Fernandes, guitar
Mats Eilertsen, bass
Olavi Louhivuori, drums
Additional musicians:
Gil Silva, trombone (tracks 2, 4, 8)
José Pedro Coelho, tenor saxophone (tracks 2, 4, 8)
João Guimarães, alto saxophone, flute (tracks 2, 4, 8)

Recorded by Nuno Couto at Cara Studios, Porto, Portugal
Mixed by Mikko Raita at Studio Kekkonen, Helsinki, Finland
Mastered by Svante Forsbäck at Chartmakers, Espoo, Finland
Produced by Alexi Tuomarila and Mikko Raita

Alexi Tuomarila
Finnish-born pianist Alexi Tuomarila stands as a dynamic force in the European jazz scene, known for his virtuosic touch and compelling compositions. With a classical foundation from the Espoo Music Academy and a jazz Masters degree from the Royal Conservatory in Brussels, Tuomarila’s artistry blends precision with deep emotional depth. His trio, featuring long-time collaborators Mats Eilertsen on bass and Olavi Louhivuori on drums, has garnered widespread acclaim, with albums like Seven Hills, Kingdom and Sphere solidifying his place as one of the most exciting pianists of his generation.

Tuomarila’s latest album, Departing the Wasteland (Edition Records), continues this trajectory, exploring themes of reflection and renewal with an expansive sound that pushes the boundaries of contemporary jazz. The trio's synergy is palpable, delivering compositions that range from meditative to electrifying, with each member’s voice seamlessly intertwined. Throughout his career, Tuomarila has shared the stage with legendary figures like Tomasz Stanko, Kenny Wheeler, and Rick Margitza, further cementing his reputation as a leading voice in modern jazz.

Beyond his work with the trio, Tuomarila's versatility shines through in projects like Drifter, the Tomasz Stanko Quintet, and Mats Eilertsen's SkyDive. Whether performing solo or as part of these ensembles, his ability to create profound musical narratives continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

This album contains no booklet.