Oddgeir Berg Trio: Christmas with Friends

The Oddgeir Berg Trio returns with "Christmas with Friends" and presents a vibrant new interpretation of Christmas classics. Following the widely acclaimed album "Christmas Came Early," the band opts for more up-tempo, funkier arrangements that blend their distinctive Nordic-cool sound with playful jazz elements. Tracks like "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" or "O Tannenbaum" gain fresh dynamics, while titles such as "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" pulse with the determination of a mountain stream. "Sing We Now of Christmas" even evokes the sonic elegance of an ECM production.

With guests Iain Ballamy (saxophone) and Mike Cottone (trumpet), the concert becomes a festive experience. Ballamy, known for his lyrical contributions, and Cottone, whose passionate playing recalls jam sessions, enrich the trio with improvisational depth. Oddgeir Berg’s connection to the Christmas season—shaped by his parents’ work with the Salvation Army—gives the program a special, communal touch. A concert that unites tradition and a spirit of experimentation.