By Don Phipps
Poignant, embracing, a panorama of restless solitude, the music of Mathias
Eick’s Lullaby is, in a word, arresting. Eick surrounds himself
with empathetic band mates – pianist Kristjan Randalu, bassist Ole Morten
Vågan, and drummer Hans Hulbækmo. Known primarily for his skillful trumpet
playing, Eick adds his voice and keyboard playing to this mix. He also
composed all the numbers that grace the outing.
Eick opens the album with “September,” a sedate, melancholy opus – not
unlike a cool afternoon, the breezy air fresh with the scent of trees and
grass. Randalu’s piano shines – the running, tripping lines float easily
above Vågan’s transitionsand Hulbækmo’s quiet
drumming. The bluesy title cut, “Lullaby” demonstrates Hulbækmo’s
sympathetic brush work and Randalu’s ability to take the theme of the song
and harmonically rework it. Eick creates a spacious atmosphere on
“Partisan,” first trumpet, then morphing into haunting vocals, then
returning to trumpet.
“My Love” strikes a happier tone. The tune is buoyed by Eick’s upbeat
straight-ahead trumpet and the gentle, prancing touch of Randalu’s piano.
The remarkable ballad “May” might be the zenith of the material presented.
Its gentle lilting theme gives Eick a chance to display his full-throated,
introspective technique. “Hope” follows and is simultaneously sad and
stately. More importantly, it reveals the delicate interactions of Eick’s
trumpet and Randalu’s piano.
Eick uses his voice in an almost spiritual manner on “Free,” and it is here
that you can hear Vågan’s bowing. The song has an airy mood of isolation –
like one alone looking up at the blue sky above a towering canyon. As the
piece progresses, one senses a momentum – an energy – at once peaceful and
on edge. The final number, “Vejle (for Geir),” pushes forward more strongly
than others on the album. It seems like Eick wanted to leave listeners with
the will to continue – to persevere no matter what – his trumpet soaring
effortlessly atop the rhythm section’s propelling efforts.
The beautiful ballads on “Lullaby” are striking. Eick’s compositions are
about feeling alive, even when one is beaten down by the daily drudge or
unexpected circumstance. He seems to be saying that despite the down
moments we all experience, beauty is abundant and plentiful. One need only
move forward to experience it.