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Espen Berg Trio: Bølge
ByNone of which should imply that Bølge needs logical analysis. But it is a demanding listen, full of signals, crests and fluctuations. We also get the sense of a compact trio in full flight. In the way that giant waves are caused when a single wave steals energy from others, so Berg thrives on the vigour of his two partners. Double bassist Bárður Reinert Poulsen is a member of the Faroese Symphony Orchestra and offers rich plummy tones. Drummer Simon Olderskog Albertsen is, like Berg, a graduate from the renowned jazz programme at Norway's University of Science and Technology.
Berg is a masterly pianist, pitching his stall somewhere between the skittish ripples of McCoy Tyner, Dave Brubeck's adventurous metres and the classicism of Andreas Ulvo. Melodic waves rush into a rhythmic whirlpool, amid one swiftly-rolled chord after another.
Bølge opens with "Hounds Of Winter" and its regal intro, before a subtle casting-away of the shackles. In a heartbeat, the tone changes from courtly to frisky, with a lightness of touch to finish. The impulsive "Maetrix" has tingling cymbals and solid chords that soften into dazzling improv. Snappy clapping-rhythms herald "XIII" and its almost-electronic backdrop. Albertsen takes a drum solo here, before Berg rides the piece home on clouds of glory.
The title-track offers a lovely piano motif, almost poppy in its innocent grace. "Tredje" sees Berg take a dizzying romp over the keys as Albertsen urges him onwards. The offbeat flurries of "Cadae" give way to silvery shivers on "For Now," where the slower sections give a sense of uplift, like a relaxed nature-ramble. Poulsen's bass-plucking stays prominent on "Skoddefall," with Berg's own work often absorbed deep in the mix. This is clearly a trio devoid of egos.
The closing number, "Climbing," begins with a carol-like purity then, again, the shifting vibes happen suddenly, seamlessly. This smooth changing of gears makes Bølge a record of constant surprises that defies you to switch off for a second.
The cover artwork depicts a sky-blue tide meeting granite black. Two near-opposites coming together. So, can a music project be both beautiful and mathematical? Those who cannot equate such a thought, might find this wave-powered album has a winning formula.
Track Listing
Hounds Of Winter; Maetrix; XIII; Bølge; Tredje; Cadae; For Now; Bridges; Skoddefall; Climbing.
Personnel
Espen Berg
pianoEspen Berg: Piano; Bárður Reinert Poulsen: double bass; Simon Olderskog Albertsen: drums.
Album information
Title: Bølge | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Odin Records
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Espen Berg Trio
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Bølge
Odin Records
Espen Berg
Bárður Reinert Poulsen
Simon Olderskog Albertsen
McCoy Tyner
Dave Brubeck
Andreas Ulvo