Leo Mathisen

Leo "The Lion" Mathisen (10 October 1906 – 16 December 1969) was a Danish jazz pianist, composer, arranger, singer and bandleader. He was a leading figure of the thriving Danish scene during the years around World War II—a period which has been labelled the Golden Age of Danish Jazz—and he is considered to be one of the most significant and original jazz musicians of his day.

Mathisen's main source of inspiration was Fats Waller, both his piano play and his singing, but the later years of his career saw some bebop influence. His most famous tracks are "Take It Easy" and "To Be or Not to Be". His nickname is a reference to his first name as well as MGM's mascot Leo the Lion. He is also remembered for his characteristic appearance with his flat, centrally parted hair, his thin moustache and, most notably, his fondness of large cigars.

Biography

Early life and career Leo Mathisen was born in Copenhagen in 1906. He worked in a record shop, listened to records and tried to copy the virtuosic piano playing that he heard. After completing a merchant education, he started working professionally as a pianist in restaurant Arena and with Kai Ewans' band in Restaurant Adlon. The same year he also recorded his first album, The More We Are Together, in collaboration with Victor Cornelius. From 1927 to 1928 he was also part of a trio with Otto Lington and Anker Skjoldborg.

In films Leo Mathisen appears as himself in the films 5 raske piger (1933), 7-9-13 (1934), Mit liv er musik (1944) and Teatertosset (1944).

His music is featured in the films Der var engang en krig (1966), Midt i en jazztid (1969) and in I Tvillingernes tegn (1975).

He is also the subject of the biographical 1986 film Take it Easy, where he is played by Eddie Skoller.

He is also mentioned in the Danish series Matador episode 5 as an up-and-coming pianist.