As the album cover - featuring Ilg wearing a traditional Black Forest Bollenhut - suggests, this project refects his deep connection to his homeland and to Mother Earth. Ilg is supported by his trio, as well as the master trumpeter Till Bronner, whose trumpet and fugelhorn lend the compositions a unique atmosphere.

Having collaborated with numerous musicians such as Randy Brecker, Mike Stern, Vince Mendoza, and many others, Dieter Ilg has released 25 albums as a leader or co- leader, along with a series of recordings as a sideman. On 'Motherland', he reunites with his long- standing trio, featuring German pianist Rainer Bohm and French drummer Patrice Heral. This time, alongside their original works, they reinterpret two classical pieces: Ilg's adaptation of Handel's "Minuet" from Water Music and his rendition of "Glorious" from Alexander's Feast. For 16 years, Ilg, Bohm, and Heral have journeyed together musically. The secret to their chemistry, according to Ilg, lies in their openness to letting things unfold in the moment.

'Motherland' is both an homage to Ilg's roots and a refection of the music and experiences that have shaped the bassist, who hails from Offenburg in Germany's Black Forest region. A standout track is "Schwarzwaldfahrt", in which Ilg transforms the lighthearted melody of German pianist Horst Jankowski into a nostalgic interpretation with an authentic second- line groove. Till Bronner delivers a stunning trumpet solo on this piece, with Ilg commenting, "When Till plays, I know exactly where we're headed. I can hear the path he's focusing on."

The album unfolds with remarkable diversity, ranging from harmonious, soothing sounds to tender, fragile bass solos, rubato piano passages, and intricate stop-time sequences. 'Motherland' is a work of profound depth, celebrating Ilg's heritage while offering listeners an evocative and multifaceted musical journey.