Alexi Tuomarila was a classical pianist at the Espoo Music Institute since he was a child. His father’s record collection led him to the jazz bug. After completing his senior secondary school, he attended the Pop-Jazz Conservatory, Oulunkyla. However, he only stayed there for one year. Alexi, visiting his parents in Belgium, applied for and was accepted to the Royal Conservatory in Brussels. “I have never looked back. In 1999, I received a Master’s degree in Music. Brussels’ school is small, but it has a high standard of teaching. My piano teacher, Diederik Wissels (from France), sparked my new passion for jazz. Every year, the school hosts a number of foreign teachers. American saxophonists Joe Lovano, Lee Konitz and others have performed at the Conservatory. It was through this institution that the Alexi Tuomarila quartet was formed. The trophy for the best band in the International Jazz Hoeilaart competition, Belgium was won by Tuomarila’s Quartet in 1999. Alexi was awarded the title of best soloist. He won the 1st prize at the international jazz soloist competition, Monaco in summer 2001. A few months later, his quartet won in Avignon the Tremplin jazz competition. The Alexi Tuomarila Quintet has won numerous competitions and also performed at major jazz festivals across Europe and Australia. Alexi Tuomarila Quartet’s new CD was recorded at the Studios La Buissonne in the south of France, and it’s part of a three-disc recording contract with Warner Music Finland from http://www.biviziki.com
