Distance (2015)/ Martin Tingvall

"Swedish pianist Martin Tingvall traveled to Iceland for inspiration. He wanted 'a little break, some distance, calm and time for new perspectives'. And so his 12 compositions are, again, a reminder of the great Chick Coreas childrens songs and also of some of the improvisational solo pieces of Keith Jarrett. Needless to say that this is not merely a copy of the two piano masters, but Martin adds his own magical, mysterious, poetic touch to this soliloquy. Pieces like Open Land, Quiet Days, or Last Summer all speak for themselves in the titles alone and really give you an idea of the peaceful, sometimes melancholic, sometimes bucolic musical pictures hes creating. The 3-minute A Blues is a welcome change of pace here, but doesnt totally destroy the overall atmosphere. The album never comes even close to that very near border of kitsch which has happened so often in recent years with solo piano endeavors. He is able to stay authentic, with a clear mind." (Ginalovesjazz.com)