The German Ozella label is establishing a reputation for itself with a roster of talent that includes some classy piano trios. Eivind Austad's trio is no exception, maybe one of the best on a label that sets store by such things. The band has tended to keep itself to itself on the Bergen jazz scene, not venturing too far afield from its home base, and during its 15-year existence has developed a distinct voice largely beyond the scope of national and international scrutiny. All his mistakes and wrong turnings that mark the inevitable path of a true artist have been done in relative privacy, and his style, both mature and fully-formed, is revealed here. After this album the good burghers of Bergen are going to have to share this band with the rest of Europe – it really does deserve to be heard on the European festival circuit. The publicity notes that accompany this release claim it's ‘trio jazz for the inner blue note’, which nails things nicely. Like many Norwegian jazz musicians, Austad is also familiar with both the classical and Norwegian folk traditions, the latter held in high regard within the country's musical education system. But while he clearly comes from the ‘Norwegian School’, he is quite happy to let his American influences shine through – from Bill Evans, Jarrett, Corea through R&B to gospel. Now if all this sounds like a bit of an indigestible mix you’d be reckoning without Austad's shrewd aesthetic vision that pulls all these diverse strands into a very personal style – tracks like ‘Homeland’, ‘Moving’ and ‘All of You’ have the poise, elegance and originality of the very best piano trios in jazz today.