The Norwegian Mathias Eick comes from a musical family and is a multi-instrumentalist himself. In that capacity, he can be used with, among others, the impetuous Norwegian jazz-rock ensemble Jaga Jazzist, rock band Motorpsycho, but also the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra. As a band leader he invariably chooses not only the trumpet but also a much more traditional sound. Midwest contains moody European
… jazz that made the German label ECM great. With violinist Gjermund Larsen in the ranks, in addition to a traditional jazz line-up of drums, piano and double bass, lyrical themes are complemented by in-depth solos by all musicians. The sound remains transparent: Scandinavian solemn and pastoral at the same time. With ECM owner and permanent producer Manfred Eicher behind the buttons, Midwest does not sound original, but pleasant and like a traditional ECM product. (MR)more
