For the first time ever, I’m releasing a new album with an ensemble larger than a trio. This album features a hand-picked ensemble consisting of six high-profile Norwegian musicians with a background in jazz, classical, Norwegian folk music and Indian classical music. In addition to myself on piano and compositions, here is Hayden Powell (trp), Harpreet Bansal (vln), Ellie Mäkelä (vla), Joakim Munkner (cello) and Per Oddvar Johansen (dr). The album was recorded by Martin Abrahamsen in Rainbow Studios in Oslo, in January 2023. I’m so happy to share this, and also these great quotes from the press:
Blending contemporary classical techniques with subtle hints of jazz seasoning, this fertile suite from the inventive artist makes for an unforgettably compelling inter-genre conversation.
Presto Music, Jazz New Release Round-Up Jan 26th
They move through these different modes producing a fresh journey for each track on Water Fabric and by the time the hour is up, you have experienced the most fulfilling musical induction. Whether this sextet is a one-off or has more to come, this album is essential for anybody.
FREQ (UK)
What the sextet has recorded is, in any case, awe-inspiring and remarkable – clearly created by a mature artist who, e.g. manages to see the imperfect and unpolished as a natural gift.
Ivan Rod (DK) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This music comes off as bigger than what one would expect from a quintet, and more delicate than what is typical except in a solo session. The heart of Berg’s melodicism can still be fathomed, but with a richness of expressionism that is as welcome a development as it is a surprising one.
Dave Sumner, The Best Jazz on Bandcamp, November 2023
The music spread across the excellent nine tracks ranges from the sublime to the effervescent. There’s a luminosity that shines with the brightness of an inspired group of musicians. […] The chamber sound is intelligently brought to the fore here, with an adventurous journey of sound ensuing. And as with all of the wonderful music on this album, the individual virtuosity combines perfectly with a group sound that feels natural and effortless.
Mike Gates, UK Vibe, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m listening to a candidate for the 2023 best list. Espen Berg has written music that is more classical-contemporary than jazzy, but still remains attached to the jazz idiom. Absolutely fascinating!
Radio Hoerer
The piano, string trio, drums and flugelhorn play and flow around each other contemplatively and delicately in all dimensions. Even when things get a little more structurally demanding – like in the “Triple Point Suite” that closes this beautiful record – the whole thing still remains in “Do not disturb!” mode in terms of sound.
Westzeit, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The album obviously benefits from being a jazz production. In contrast to modern (?), rather bad-sounding rock and pop productions, the listener can experience a crystal-clear, differentiated and transparent sound here, which, on the one hand, reproduces every instrument perfectly, brings out the moods wonderfully and breathes a lot of air.
The musicians play their way through seven excellent compositions that combine jazz, classical and rock and should therefore appeal to a large audience.
A wonderful, first-class production without any flaw.
Handwritten Mag, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
It is fascinating, substantial music, and if a definition is insisted upon, classical-contemporary is probably the best.
Chris May, All About Jazz, ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
ESPEN BERG 