Oddgeir Berg Trio: A Place Called Home

One place that Norwegian pianist Oddgeir Berg has called home is the island of Rolla, population 900. It is located in one of Norway's numerous fjords, rising from deep water to a 1000-meter peak. A visit to Google Images reveals verdant meadows and mountainous boulder-studded landscapes of stunning beauty—a picturesque and idyllic place. Berg's father was born there, this place called Home.

The Oddgeir Berg Trio's album, A Place Called Home, follows Before Dawn (2018), In The End Of The Night (2019), While We Wait For A Brand New Day (2020) and Christmas Came Early (2021), all on Ozella Records. Revisiting these earlier works, in conjunction with the set at hand, reveals Berg's consistency of vision and articulation in his creation of uplifting music, brimming with positivity. Berg's cohesive approach in his making of an album is similar in style to that of his fellow Norwegian, pianist Tord Gustavsen. But, where Gustavsen's sound is minimalist and introspective, at times even gloomy—in a lovely and compelling way—Berg and his trio create a world which leans toward extroversion and brightness, giving off a positive glow, in the manner of guitarist Pat Metheny's work.

This bright tribute to the childhood home of Oddgeir Berg's father plays out as a luminescent celebration, with tunes such as "Happiness Is Where You Are," a danceable, gregarious romp which follows the pensive and worry-filled "A Song For My Mother," which Berg penned with his feelings concerning his mother's cancer diagnosis in mind, veering a bit from the remainder of the set's positivity while holding onto a deep sense of hope and restrained, unwavering optimism. "Into the Mountains" has a light, exploratory vibe, like a hike into the highlands as seen through fresh eyes

A Place Called Home is an enthralling tip of the hat to Oddgeir Berg's family home which is located in a rugged and pristine part of the world. It is a place—the music says this beautifully—that the pianist holds close to his heart. There is nothing finer in jazz than a well-executed and heartfelt concept album. A Place Called Home is exactly that.

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