Mathias Eick – Midwest

An unexpected gem from the mostly bland ECM catalog of the last decade (enough of Jarrett already!). I am a bit harsh on this but its only because ECM "used" to pioneer the cross pollination of free jazz and modern aesthetics in its day remember those amazing Rypdal, Metheny, Weber, Isham/Lanede albums from the mid to late 70s? Sure you do why? Because in their time of release they where experimenting with space, timbre and composition. Many also incorporated the then new instrument the synthesizer and lush reverbs to enhance the musical experience. I just dont feel ECM cares one iota to take any risks except perhaps with the very rare Hassell release or a band like Nik Bärtsch Ronin.
Anyway I digress this is my 1st encounter with Mathias Eick and its a wonderfully warm album(cd). Having been born and raised in the US the compositions have that sort of very melodic lyricism and brings to mind those vast open prairies of middle America with their rolling hills and farms. Eick's trumpet playing is subtle, breathy and stands as a solo voice telling a story. The rest of the band supports the music with impeccable restraint as if this music was a delicate haiku simple and colorful with no additional verbiage.
Now heres the really interesting side note these are all Scandinavian musicians having probably been born in Europe it still amazed me how they are able to draw that "Americana" feel and infuse it into the music.
This isn't a trad jazz album neither is it a classic blow your mind ECM release but it is worthy of your playlist next you travel to the countryside and need the perfect soundtrack for that journey into the crimson sunset.