New Jazz From Finland | Alexi Tuomarila Quartet (FI/NO)

About

The Alexi Tuomarila Quartet brings together four distinctive voices from the Nordic jazz scene: Finnish pianist and composer Alexi Tuomarila, Norwegian saxophonist Bendik Hofseth, bassist Mikael Saastamoinen and drummer Markku Ounaskari. Tuomarila has built an international career as a pianist, composer and bandleader, with acclaimed releases on Edition Records. His album Sphere received a five-star review and Album of the Month from BBC Music Magazine and won the Finnish Jazz EMMA Award. In 2025, he was named Pori Jazz Artist of the Year. Tuomarila also performed and toured for a decade with legendary Polish trumpeter Tomasz Stanko. Bendik Hofseth came to international prominence after succeeding Michael Brecker in the celebrated American group Steps Ahead, touring and recording with the band for several years. Markku Ounaskari is one of Finland's most internationally recognised jazz musicians, with an extensive discography including numerous ECM recordings. Mikael Saastamoinen represents a younger generation of Finnish improvisers and is known for his work with Linda Fredriksson, i