Mathias Landæus

Mathias Landaeus ranks among Sweden’s rising jazz talents, delivering sharp, thoughtful improvisations laced with wit as both pianist and composer. Born in Sweden in 1969, he drew early inspiration from Bill Evans, Swedish folk traditions, Weather Report, and the scattered jazz performers who passed through his region. He relocated to New York in 1992, enrolling at the Mannes College of Music and completing his studies there in 1995. During those college years he performed regularly in the city’s smaller jazz venues, sharpening his skills and earning notice. For his debut recording, Blabete, he recruited American bassist David Milleand, drummer Sebastian Voegler, and Swedish tenor saxophonist Karl-Martin Almqvist. After the album appeared, the group toured Europe, after which Landaeus returned to Sweden to cut his follow-up, Darling, for the domestic imprint Amigo.