Espen Berg Trio: Fjære

Norwegian pianist shifts from free improvisation to more radio-friendly composition and includes a Paul Simon cover

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If the trio’s outstanding Free To Play (2019) was about taking a few risks in pursuit of the pleasures and rewards of improvisation, Fjære is an altogether more conservative affair. Spotlighting Berg’s not inconsiderable talents as a composer and featuring contributions from three distinguished guests, the change of emphasis does not come without some creative trade-offs.

Opening in blockbuster style, the clean lines and airy melody of Vintermørke (winter darkness) are as characteristic of the new Nordic jazz as its gentle post-E.S.T. groove. Eick leads the line, crystal tones ringing clear, and the quartet play with far too much conviction for any whiffs of cliché to linger. XVII is a momentary throwback to Free To Play, the explosive rhythmic interplay invoking the spirit of Phronesis and Avishai Cohen’s celebrated trio with Maestro and Guiliana. There’s a sense of urgency and abandon on The Fourth Awakens too, a white-knuckle joyride with many unpredictable twists and turns.

Elsewhere Paulsberg’s lithe tenor glides across the busy rhythmic ebb and flow of Åkervise, the obvious chemistry suggesting a solid basis for further collaborations. Eötvös, presumably dedicated to the Hungarian physicist whose achievements include the torsion pendulum, is a delicate study in movement, and along with Svalbard is one of the set’s more reflective moments. Eick returns for another strong showing on the brooding Magnetic Peaks, while the closing cover of Paul Simon’s I’d Do It For Your Love sees a convincing Nergaard tilting at Norah Jones.

In the final analysis Fjære is a more polished and radio-friendly production than its predecessor, but the trio don’t put a foot wrong. The Japanese edition includes a bonus track of a stirring Berg solo (Beyond The Acres Of Blue), thoroughly recommended if you can find it!

Discography:
Vintermørke; Introduction to XVII; XVII; Åkervise; The Vertical Movements of Eötvös; Nikolai; The Fourth Awakens; Svalbard; Magnetic Peaks; I’d Do It For Your Love (49.00)
Berg (p) with Bárdur Reinert Poulsen (b); Simon Albertsen (d) and Mathias Eick (t) on 1 and 9; Hanna Paulsberg (ts) on 4; Silje Nergaard (v) on 10. Oslo, 5-7 April and 14 June 2021.
Odin Records ODINCD9581