Reviews are in! All of them very positive, and I have managed to get three of them translated to English. These are from major Japanese jazz magazines:

JAZZ PERSPECTIVE
I got surprised when I listened to this. It’s a European jazz album which comprises all the elements of the piano trio, which certainly is a popular format in Japan now. I put my work on a new album on hold and hurried to take a look at this one. It’s very good that Blue Gleam releases such excellent albums as Japanese editions. This is a CD I recommend!
– Takashi Yamamoto, producer DIW/Disk Union Group

JAZZ LIFE
Quiet, beautiful and dynamic
Album by a new and powerful Norwegian pianist
The young Norwegian pianist Espen Berg has already made his début in Norway. In his home country he has released two solo albums, and here is his third one. As with fellow pianists Fred Hersch and Helge Lien, Espen’s playing is both elegant and has a nice touch, which makes the music flow. Of course, it also inherits the sound of elegance, well-known from Scandinavian jazz piano works. It’s not only beautiful, but also powerful, clearly influenced by rock music and the works by Esbjörn Svensson.

Following the beautiful, yet melancholic intro of piano and bass, the charm of this trio opens up widely, and even with the first tune we’re drawn directly into Espen’s musical universe. The seventh and bluesy track shines as one of the best compositions.

CD JOURNAL
Espen Berg is an active composer and a dynamic pianist. This collection consists of his original works only, and many of the melodies has a clear lyrical color. Even though his pervasive, aesthetically beautiful playing unfolds itself intimately together with bass and drums, the compositions themselves evolve this trio’s music. In addition, brilliant piano solos adds an inspiring radiance to this album, and the deep and living touch is also amazing.