Mads Tolling Trio

ads Tolling Trio∗ was founded by violinist Mads Tolling in 2007, his first major solo project. The Mads Tolling Trio consists of:

Mads Tolling violin
Mike Abraham guitar
George Ban-Weiss acoustic/electric bass

Mads Tolling, Mike Abraham and George Ban-Weiss came together through the eclectic San Francisco jazz scene. The distinctive trio integrates the violin into a traditional jazz combo. All three instruments play unconventional roles to make the music come to life. Violin may act as drum, guitar may take bass lines and bass may carry the melody. There are some moments of pure spontaneity, but underlying the record are thoughtful compositions and arrangements. All three players have re-thought their instruments in a fresh way, relying on their instincts to let the music speak for itself.

MTT draws inspiration from jazz to world music to rock, and from such artists as Herbie Hancock, Ravi Shankar and Radiohead. Most of the record is composed and arranged by the bandleader, Mads Tolling. Tolling, a Grammy™-Award winning performer & arranger, has a distinct melodic, lyrical "groove" to his writing. MTT enjoys playing well-known pieces such as Adderley’s "Work Song", Zeppelin’s "Black Dog", giving them a new twist, while staying true to the spirit of the original versions.

In July 2007 MTT recorded their first album entitled, "Speed Of Light". The album features eleven tunes including a solo violin version of Miles Davis’ "Blue in Green".

"Mads has the amazing talent and skills that few young musicians can match. His music is both beautiful and refreshing exhibiting his superb mastery of the modern American Jazz music that is rarely seen among his peers." -Jean-Luc Ponty

"Mads Tolling is the most exciting musician I have come across in the past ten years. This recording represents some of the most creative music making out there."
-Stanley Clarke

"Mr. Tolling is a virtuoso who doesn't abandon his listeners. "Speed Of Light", with sophistication and maturity doesn't abandon accessibility. This is fascinating, hooky and satisfying music and Mads takes it beyond the academy and back to the ear."
-Leo Kottke

∗On occasion MTT likes to integrate drums as a fourth instrument making it MADS TOLLING QUARTET. To check out the quartet option please go to www.madstolling.com/video.html and watch the LIVE VIDEO.

"Speed Of Light" is now available for download in the Store and on iTunes Plus available on for purchase on CDbaby and Amazon

Individual Bios

Photos by Petr Jerabek