Release date: 22 November 2024

Alexi Tuomarila Piano, Synthesizers

André Fernandes Guitar

Mats Eilertsen Bass

Olavi Louhivuori Drums

Gil Silva Trombone

José Pedro Coelho Tenor Sax

João Guimarães Alto Sax, Flute

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