Alexi Tuomarila Trio - Sphere (2019) [Hi-Res]

Sphere is the 3rd album from Finnish pianist, Alexi Tuomarila and his trio comprising bassist Mats Eilertsen and drummer Olavi Louhivuori. The trio are joined by guest trumpeter Verneri Pohjola. Alexi Tuomarila has built a reputation as a fine jazz pianist and was described by Jazz Times as ‘...one of the next big deals on jazz piano’.

Alexi has worked with many projects both as leader and sidesman, including ECM with the late great trumpeter Tomas Stanko. Of the album, Alexi says, ‘’For me, Sphere in this context represents the constantly morphing and boiling space, where music is happening ....the musical sphere is constantly changing and evolving, as is the musicians’ personal taste and approach towards music. I don’t think it’s possible to reinvent the piano trio, but it’s certainly possible to be influenced and touched by many different cultures and musical styles, and to integrate what has been learned into one’s music and playing.”

This trio have collaborated for over 15 years and Alexia comments, “We have played together as a trio and also in multiple other contexts, so we have grown into a strong unit. Besides having played so much together, we also all compose and play each other’s songs. So each of us contributes ideas equally to the music.....We all have been working together with Verneri in different combinations, so having Verneri playing and interpreting the songs felt really natural and made a lot of sense. He really was able to bring life to the songs.”

Alexi Tuomarila, piano
Mats Eilertsen, double bass
Olavi Louhivuori, drums
Verneri Pohjola, trumpet (on tracks 2, 5, 7)

Produced by Dave Stapleton