Vol III : An Unplayed Venue

A brilliant pianist from Sweden, Ludvig Berghe violates the stereotype of modern day Scandinavian jazz being full of space and introspection. Instead, Berghe's style has plenty of energy, sometimes hints at McCoy Tyner, and has no shortage of enthusiasm. In fact, one can feel the joy in his playing as he constructs colorful and lengthy improvisations that build and build unpredictably but logically. Bassist Lars Ekman and drummer Daniel Fredriksson are mostly in supportive roles but they stimulate and push Berghe. If he lived in New York, chances are that he would be celebrated for bringing a fresh new voice to the modern mainstream in jazz. But being in Sweden, his name barely registers in the U.S. despite his talents. That should not stop listeners from discovering his music, though. Berghe's five originals on Vol. III: An Unplayed Venue feature a tight trio, some episodic movements and a lot of fresh piano playing that is well worth hearing. ~ Scott Yanow|