Alexi Tuomarila Trio - Seven Hills (Edition Records 2013)

The quality control at Edition Records shows no sign of faltering with this seductive trio set by young Finnish pianist Alexi Tuomarila, with Mats Eilertsen on bass and Olavi Louhivuori on drums. Tuomarila was a prizewinning newcomer in 2003 (he recorded for Warners, and Brad Mehldau commended him) but though major-label fickleness held him up, he seems to have devoted recent times to a lot of creative self-discovery. Tuomarila's long piano improvisations develop with an unflappabe sleekness, and his rhythm section – particularly the formidably articulate and quick-thinking Eilertsen – enhance everything he touches. The presence of electric guitarist Andre Fernandes on two tracks doesn't add a great deal soloistically but usefully enhances the ensemble sound, and the music is divertingly varied – from the folksy, Avishai Cohen-like title track, via the hymnal meditations of Jibeinia, Pearl and Ceremony, to the sparky, skimming postbopper Visitor Q. Tuomarila's progress will be fascinating to follow. - John Fordham    guardian.co.uk

1. Seven Hills
2. Cyan
3. Prologue
4. Jibeinia
5. Skuld
6. Pearl
7. Visitor Q
8. Miss
9. Ceremony

Alexi Tuomarila: piano;
Mats Eilertsen: double bass;
Olavi Louhivuori: drums;
Andre Fernades: guitar