Norwegian pianist and composer Espen Berg has emerged as one of the most distinctive solo voices in contemporary piano music. Drawing on a rare combination of spontaneity, structural clarity and breathtaking technique, his solo performances dissolve the boundaries between jazz improvisation and classical idioms.
Espen has released six acclaimed albums, toured in Norway, Germany, Netherlands, UK and China, and is considered by many as one of the most notable successors to Keith Jarrett.
Every concert is a unique journey. Espen creates music in real time—shifting from luminous lyricism to explosive virtuosity, from crystalline minimalism to expansive harmonic landscapes. His ability to build entire musical architectures on the spot has earned him international acclaim, with critics praising both the emotional depth and the sheer inventiveness of his playing.
In 2023, Espen was appointed to official Steinway Artist by Steinway & Sons. His solo project is ideally suited for intimate recital halls, major concert stages, and festivals seeking forward-looking, genre-bridging artistry. Espen’s concerts offer audiences an unforgettable experience: immersive, unpredictable, and profoundly human.
| Booking and inquiries: mail@espenberg.no |
➡️ Listen to The Kempen Concert
(Kite Records, 2025)
➡️ Listen to The Trondheim Concert
(NXN Recordings/Naxos, 2022)
This concert deserves to be ranked among the most important solo piano recordings of all time – no more, no less. […] One of the best releases of the year!
— Henry Kozok, Radiohörer on reviewing The Kempen Concert (2025)
Absolutely stunning. […] A solo performance that reaffirms why Espen Berg is regarded as a serious pianist/composer in the improvised arena.
— Mike Gates, UK Vibe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on reviewing The Kempen Concert (2025)
Some have not hesitated to compare this pianist from the Trondheim scene to Keith Jarrett. The temptation is indeed strong. Obvious, even! […] For it is truly the spirit of Jarrett that wanders over this performance. Without a doubt!
— Yves Tassin, Jazzmania on reviewing The Kempen Concert (2025)
As with Jarrett, it’s almost inconceivable that we’re dealing with freely improvised music.
— Tor Hammerø, Nettavisen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on reviewing The Kempen Concert (2025)
The Kempen Concert is an immersive journey in which Espen Berg leads his listeners into his boundless creative universe—never shying away from risk. It is unquestionably his finest solo album to date, a world-class statement.
— Angelique van Os, Jazzism ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on reviewing The Kempen Concert (2025)
Impressive stuff – the future of spontaneous-improvised solo concert is in safe hands.
— Stuart Nicholson, Jazzwise ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Editor’s Choice) on reviewing The Trondheim Concert (2022)
What we have here, is quite possibly one of the finest improvised solo piano performances I have had the pleasure of listening to in the last decade or so.
— Mike Gates, UK Vibe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on reviewing The Trondheim Concert (2022)
ESPEN BERG 