Independent jazz and classical label Edition have signed new band Drifter to their roster, a Belgium-based quartet fronted by Finnish pianist Alexi Tuomarila and Belgian saxophonist Nicolas Kummert.

Tuomarila has a strong connection with Edition already as a solo recording and touring artist, and his trio album Seven Hills was released last year. Well known in Belgium having studied and lived there and where his wider reputation gained ground Tuomarila also recorded for Warners but was dropped unceremoniously. He also gained a good reputation internationally as a Tomasz Stańko sideman, appearing on Dark Eyes.

Writing on the Edition website Tuomarila explains: “The music means so much more now. Ten years ago, we were just playing tunes that we loved to play. Now the music comes from within us and somehow encapsulates the feelings of the last ten years: having our recording contract taken away, the development of our friendship as a band and the greater sense of purpose we all have in our lives.”

Drifter’s album is to be released in the spring.

Alexi Tuomarila, above