Voices of Pohjola

Nicolas Kummert

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Artistes

Christophe Devisscher Double bass
Nicolas Kummert Saxophone
Alexi Tuomarila Piano
Teun Verbruggen Drums

About

After generating incredible interest from audiences and the press, the first recording from the quartet of Finnish pianist Alexi Tuomarila has been released.Tuomarila has been in Brussels since 1994, where he studied at the Royal Conservatory. His quartet displays a remarkable degree of maturity and character. Echoes of Finnish folk music can sometimes be heard, but also a new look at some standards.

The quartet has been very busy over the past few years. They were first noticed when they won the Hoeilaart International Jazz Competition 1999, where Tuomarila also picked up an award as best soloist!

With sax-player Nicolas Kummert (best soloist at the Eben-Emaël Jazz Tournament 1998) and the rhythm section Christophe Devisscher and Teun Verbruggen, the band went on to become one of the most in-demand live performers. Although unsigned, they played over 50 gigs in 2000, including dates in Belgium, France, Germany Spain, Finland, Australia.

Their combination of swing and energy, together with the sensitive yet virtuoso playing of the pianist, make this quartet one of the most promising new bands of the past few years.