Last year, the quartet Drifter caused a stir in the jazz world with the excellent debut album Flow which provides the group with a glowing introduction. The band revolves around Finnish pianist and composer Alexi Tuomarila. He studied at various institutes, including the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. In 1999 he formed the Alexi Tuomarila Quartet that consisted of saxophonist Nicolas Kummert, bassist Christian Devissher and Dutch drummer Teun Verbruggen. Following the successful debut album Voices Of Pohjola, the group recorded the highly praised CD O2 on the major label Warner Music in 2003. Unfortunately, the record company divested its classical and jazz divisions leaving the band without a label. However, with new bassist Axel Gilain on board, Drifter is ready for the future. On Flow, he and co-leaders Tuomarila and Kummert show that they are all skilled composers. Drifter could well be one of the major surprises at this year’s North Sea Jazz Festival.
