Frode Berg: Dig It!

Frode Berg plays six-string electric and acoustic bass with zeal on Dig It! (Nagel-Heyer). Tenor saxophonist Petter Wettre sounds somewhat bland and regressive on the band’s rendition of “Giant Steps” but is quite spirited and exuberant on “41b” and “Hocum,” both penned by group pianist Roy Powell. Wettre is even more energized on Berg’s “Sir Nuke” and “I’m Gone.” The Norwegian quartet nicely handles bossa nova on “Another Song,” one of five Berg compositions on the CD. Berg’s unit sounds loose and relaxed on almost every cut-the Coltrane anthem excepted.

Originally Published January 1, 2005