Touring with a band in the US, Norwegian trumpeter Mathias Eick had a strange feeling of familiarity when they reached the midwest. It was then he learned that a third of the population of North Dakota have Norwegian ancestors, and the knowledge inspired this music. Modal jazz and north European folk idioms often work well together, and they certainly do here. Eick has a beautiful tone and writes attractive themes, by turns haunting and energetic. The inclusion of folk violinist Gjermund Larsen in the band adds a contrasting texture and some truly exciting solos.
