Tumo Kohrs, is Mark Tuomenoksa and Sarah Kohrs, two extraordinarily talented musicians whose synergy and skills provide a sophisticated sound that exponentially exceeds what you would expect from any duo.  While they principally perform on electric keyboards, they both are multi-instrumentalists and their repertoire includes the entire saxophone family as well as guitars and flute.  While their playing skills are impressive, what separates them from the pack are the intimate original compositions of Kohrs combined with the powerfully evocative arrangements of Tuomenoksa.  Sarah is a master of words, expressing nuanced emotions of love as well as the blunt realities of the pain that loving entails. There are no pulled punches in Sarah Kohrs. And while her words spin the narrative, Mark’s arrangements bring the songs to life, alternately hugging and caressing, or forcefully spitting and biting, to magnify and amplify the experience.  With Tumo Kohrs you don't just tap your fingers. You cry, you laugh, you sit in stunned silence, or you jump out of your seat yelling, “Wow!” This is emotional hardball in the big leagues. You can’t hide; you’re going to feel it. 

One of the beautiful things about  Tumo Kohrs is the ease with which they switch gears - veering from sad to happy, serious to irreverent - and cross genres, all the while maintaining a delightful easy banter with the audience. In the end you realize that you’ve just ridden a roller coaster through many of life's most powerful forces - love, trust, friendship, relationships - and you’re somehow better for the journey.  

Sarah Kohrs and Mark Tuomenoksa aren’t following anyone, they are blazing a new trail forged entirely out of their indomitable spirits.  And they are just getting started.

- Paul Brazie

Photo by David Edgecomb