MOTIF was founded in the fall of 1999 and has since been working continuously with the creation of their own sound. The music is inspired by various peers, ranging from the acoustic outings of Miles Davis to the electronic music of Kim Hiortoy. All of the band members studied at Trondheim Conservatory's Jazz Department, and are now key players in the young Northern European improvisation scene. Since its founding, MOTIF has appeared at a variety of European festivals and clubs, and received the Young Nordic Jazz Comets award. They also did their first Asian tour in 2005, visiting China, Japan and Vietnam.

The BBC called their debut album ¡°an incredibly good record that ranks with anything coming out of the rest of Europe, or anywhere else for that matter...¡±

Focusing on the groove, MOTIF prides themselves on giving their audiences an experience with next-to-telepathic interaction, from explosive rhythmic mutations to haunting ballads.

Band Members

Atle Nymo (Saxophone)

In addition to his own quartet and other bands such as Trio, Atle Nymo (sax) is a much appreciated session musician, and he is much sought-after by bandleaders across Norway and beyond. He has performed in a variety of settings with Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Geir Lysne's big bands and released a record with his older brother Frode Nymo and Roger Kellaway.

Mathias Eick (Trumpet)

In addition to his work with electronic stars Jaga Jazzist, Mathias Eick (trumpet) has worked and toured around Europe and beyond with pop and rock acts such as Motorpsycho, Thomas Dybdahl and Big Bang, as well as with jazz groups including Chick Corea, Jacob Youngs ECM group, and the Trygve Seim Orchestra. He was the International Association of Jazz Educator¡¯s pick for "most talented young jazz musician worldwide" in 2007, and his solo debut for ECM records is currently under production.

Ole Morten Vågan (Bass)

Ole Morten Vagan (bass) is well-known throught the Norwegian jazz scene not only for his bass-playing, but also for his compositions and arrangements. He has performed with many major jazz players in Norway including Bugge Wesseltoft, Tore Brunborg, Audun Kleive, Arve Henriksen, Maria Kannegaard, Hakon Kornstad, and international stars like Joshua Redman and John Scofield.

Haavard Wiik (Piano)

Haavard Wiik (piano) is well-known for his rare ability to surprise, and even shock, his audiences every time he steps upon a stage. Haavard is also a member of the hit quintet Atomic, and of the acoustic trio Free Fall, with clarinetist Ken Vandermark and bassist Ingebrigt Flaten.

Hakon Mjaset Johansen (Drums)

Hakon Mjaset Johansen (drums) was named "Young Jazz Musician of the Year" in 2000, the same year that his group Urban Connection won the Avignon Jazz Contest. Hakon also plays in a variety of acoustic jazz bands and big bands. In 2001, he received the Norwegian Grammy (Spellemannspris) for Urban Connections' debut album. He has also been to China several times with Excess Luggage.