Recording of the Week,Alexi Tuomarila - Departing the Wasteland

Tuomarila has long cultivated a remarkable musical partnership with bassist Mats Eilertsen and drummer Olavi Louhivuori, who form the core of his trio, and on this latest venture additional musicians - André Fernandes (guitar), Gil Silva (trombone), José Pedro Coelho (tenor saxophone), and João Guimarães (alto saxophone/flute) - contribute to sculpting a fresh and dynamic sound. By incorporating these artists the album achieves a new energy and depth that transcends the traditional piano trio format, adding layers of complexity and texture to Tuomarila's signature style. The pianist describes his aim for this musical journey as “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.”

Departing the Wasteland emerged from two pivotal experiences in Tuomarila's life. The first was the challenging period during the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought about profound personal and artistic transformation. Confronted with isolation, thoughts of aging, career uncertainties, and feelings of impostor syndrome, Tuomarila re-evaluated his identity as an artist, ultimately renewing his passion for music and creativity. The second catalyst was a commission to compose for a trio and symphony orchestra, prompting a revolutionary shift in his compositional approach - from an improvisation-driven method to a more structured, holistic process that emphasises deliberate parts and broader musical contexts.

The album opens emotionally with "Towards Dark Light", a bold and introspective composition where the melody glides effortlessly, igniting with the entrance of a synthesiser. This integration feels like an orchestrational masterstroke, blending seamlessly rather than clashing. A recurring theme throughout the album is the spontaneity of electronics, which inject a refreshing modernity into the sound. A standout example is "Gaman", which begins with the familiar Scandinavian trio aesthetic before interpolating an angular synth lead. The result, bolstered by dense harmonies from the saxophones and trombone, is a modernist performance that invites further exploration. Tuomarila's vision of pushing musical and personal boundaries is particularly evident in "Inner Wasteland", an unpredictable piece featuring eerie horn interludes, unhinged guitar improvisation, and layered synths. This track distances itself from some of the ‘Mehldau-esque’ comparisons of Tuomarila’s earlier work, fully embracing a new artistic direction. 

Listeners are drawn into the trio’s chemistry on "August", where Fernandes’s guitar features prominently, melding with the piano before delivering an empathetic solo that complements the track’s mood. A sweeping bass pattern introduces "Moreeni", setting the stage for Fernandes’s guitar to glide and weave rhythmically. The majestic "Aether" then returns the focus to the intimate trio format. This short yet sonorous track is enriched by Olavi Louhivuori’s textural drum work and Eilertsen’s rumbling bowed bass, supporting cascading piano lines that echo the neurological pathways shaping the music. The album concludes with "Circle", encapsulating Tuomarila’s blend of exploratory innovation and traditionalist sensibilities. The horns lend a lush texture to the opening and closing sections, framing a combustible tenor saxophone solo by José Pedro Coelho.

Departing the Wasteland represents a significant milestone in Alex Tuomarila's artistic evolution, showcasing his growth as both a composer and pianist. Seamlessly intertwining the intimate chemistry of his long-standing trio with the vibrant contributions of guest musicians, the album offers a rich tapestry of sound that is innovative yet deeply resonant. Each track invites listeners into a world of emotional depth and musical exploration, reflecting themes of redemption, resilience, and creative rebirth. With its compelling arrangements and dynamic interplay, this album is a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring spirit of artistic expression.