Alexi Tuomarila |Departing the Wasteland Review

by Darnell Jackson

In Departing the Wasteland, Alexi Tuomarila invites us to experience a well-crafted sonic landscape of acoustic piano converging with a digital palette of synthesizers and subtle electronics. Recorded at the famed Cara Studios in Porto and refined through the precise mix of Mikko Raita at Studio Kekkonen, this album is as much a reflection of cutting‐edge production as it is to jazz’s enduring soul.

From the opening moments, Tuomarila’s piano functions as a traditional lead instrument, acting as a medium through which classical sensibilities meet jazz improvisations. With his synthesizers, Tuomarila creates an atmospheric color that complements the rich, resonant tones of the piano. This careful fusion of the two instruments speaks to Toumarila’s success in establishing a forward-thinking approach that reflects the possibilities of modern jazz.

The obsessive attention to sonic detail sets the setting for the enjoyment of the many colors found in the project. In tracks like “Inner Wasteland,” one can enjoy the interplay of textures where acoustic pulses are interwoven with digital hues, creating a vibrant sound that evolves with the composition. Guest contributions from Gil Silva’s trombone, José Pedro Coelho’s tenor sax, and João Guimarães’ alto sax and flute add more hues, punctuating the subtle digital murmur with organic warmth. It is this nuanced layering that transforms “Gaman,” “Inner Wasteland,” and “Circle” into a multi-dimensional exploration of sonic space.

The production of Departing the Wasteland has a sonic clarity achieved in Porto, followed by the sophisticated mixing in Helsinki and the detailed mastering in Espoo. This, combined with the ensemble’s impassioned performances, gives the album an immersive quality. Every instrument finds its place in the soundstage, allowing the listener to appreciate the smallest subtleties, from the multi-layered texture of Olavi Louhivuori kit to the intricate warm harmonic support of Mats Eilertsen’s bass. This level of production captures the musical experience and underscores Tuomarila’s commitment to quality and innovation.

Beyond the technical brilliance, the album is a statement of reinvention from Tuamarila. The title itself, Departing the Wasteland, conjures images of emerging from barren terrain into fertile creative ground. This is an album born of introspection—a response to the isolation and uncertainties of recent years that has transformed into a journey toward renewal. Tuomarila’s approach through these eight performances invites listeners to pause, listen closely, and find beauty in musical communication.