Though Glenn Gould and Alexi Tuomarila are two quite different pianists with two quite different musical outlooks, they do share something in common. Two huge talents, yes, but two huge talents who both consider their vocation would be far better fulfilled without the annoying presence of an audience. Put the self-effacing Tuomarila in a noisy club where he thinks no one is listening and he is, well, amazing. That's not just me saying that. Brad Mehldau was happy to go into print and say as much too. The question has always been how to get him out of his okay-I'll-play-for-you-if-I-really-have-to mode and get him to switch on the ‘X’ factor. A period with jazz master Tomasz Stańko was a boost to his self-esteem and confidence and at last we are now getting a little closer to the inner man. Sphere presents him with his favourite rhythm section and they do seem to bring the best out of him – they are, after all, young masters themselves on their respective instruments. This is a record that should be heard, a genuine talent finally beginning to realise his potential. And, as if the stars are finally coming into conjunction over Finland, Verneri Pohjola (who from time to time seemed to be hiding his light under the same bushel as Tuomarila) effectively guests on three tracks.