Since his debut album, Nurmio has been regarded one of the most original Finnish singer-songwriters. His lyrics are filled with peculiar and arresting metaphors and expressions, some of which have made their way into the vernacular Finnish language. Especially the first four albums are now seen as classic works. Musically the first albums draw on the traditions of American country, blues and roots music, combining them with new wave quirkiness and energy. The lyrics have romantic, humorous undertones, with occasional glimpses of the dark side of urban life. In the 1990s Nurmio's sound has moved towards a scratchy, rugged sound somewhat reminiscent of Tom Waits. In the 2000s he has often performed in a duo with a guitar and Markku Hillilä playing drums. One of his recent collaboration is that with the bandAlamaailman Vasarat. In 2011 Nurmio appeared as a guest singer on Finnish metal band Korpiklaani's album Ukon Wacka.
Background
"Tuomari" means a judge in Finnish. Nurmio adopted this nickname, since he has a master's degreein law and is therefore formally eligible to hold that position. Nurmio started his studies at the University of Helsinki in 1971 studying general history, but soon switched to law. Before his musical career Nurmio worked as a reporter, first in the Soihdunkantaja magazine and later as editor of the Uusi Laulu magazine. In the early 1980s he had already made a "strong decision" to quit his studies, but did not do so, because he thought that "all the work would be in vain". After his musical breakthrough he continued studying. His thesis was called "Prohibition of torture in international law". He graduated as a Bachelor of Law in 1983. Contrary to popular belief that he has never actually worked in law, he has done so for a few days. He defended an insurance claim for a widow and won the case. "You can say I have won one hundred percent of my cases", said Nurmio. He was also offered work as Matti Wuori's assistant but declined the job. Nurmio started his musical career in the English language with American roots music, mostly country, folk and blues, in Dusty Ramblers and later on, during his solo career he has occasionally taken on an alter ego to more or less to go back to his roots in English. First it was Judge Bean, Jr, loosely inspired by a shady judge character in an old western movie, but it has since evolved into Judge Bone, by which name he has in recent years made two albums: Judge Bone & Doc Hill: Big Bear's Gate and in 2015 Tales of Judge Bone, vol 1, which actually was credited to Tuomari Nurmio & Hoedown. The latter is a long time Finnish roots music band that likes to feature outside singers and players to play the guest's music or common favourites. Tales of JB is composed of newly and often quite radically arranged old Nurmio songs plus an old Scottish folk song "Bonnie George Campbell". The overall mood might be described as old time Americana. Judge Bone & Hoedown were expected to release volume 2 in 2016.
