Three Norwegians (bassist
Frode Berg, tenor saxophonist
Petter Wettre, and drummer Andreas Bye) and a British pianist (
Roy Powell) team up to perform original music (five songs by
Berg and two by
Powell) that sounds quite American. Most of the selections are high-energy modal music with an occasional departure, including the bossa nova "Another Song," the mostly free "Dig It!," and the bowed-bass feature on the mournful ballad "Victor." One song, a version of "Giant Steps" in 7/4 time, sounds nearly impossible to play. The musicians are all excellent, but tenor saxophonist
Petter Wettre consistently steals the show. His passionate playing, most influenced by
Michael Brecker, is often quite explosive. Pianist
Powell has his good spots (particularly on "Dig It!" and "Hocum"), drummer Bye is ferocious on the uptempo tunes (à la
Elvin Jones), and leader
Berg shows versatility on both acoustic and electric basses. It may not be innovative overall, but there is certainly plenty of energy, enthusiasm, and musicianship on this winning post-bop set. ~ Scott Yanow