Universal Cycle

The trio has already released three albums, and this is the fourth one available from October 1st, 2014. It features guest artists, namely guitarist Ivar Grydeland (Huntsville, Dans Les Arbres ++), and trumpet player Mathias Eick (ECM recording artist). Partially through their input, the mood of the record alternates between lyrical melodic lines presented over the intense backdrop of the trio, to improvisational pieces where the sounds interweave, creating a unique soundscape focusing on the exploration of musical possibilities. 

Highly recommended / Eyal Hareuveni, allaboutjazz.com
"Symbolically, the concluding piece is Sjøvaag's "On a Road That Never Ends," encompasses this excellent trio impressive vision and spirit."

Epletrioen / Roald Helgheim - Dagsavisen
"...ein hugnad å lytte til ein trio som i seg sjølv har gått eigne vegar i eit i utgangspunktet klassisk format i jazzen" - Roald Helgheim

Universal Cycle / Arild R. Andersen - Aftenposten
"Styrken i Universal cycle gir seg til kjenne i det organiske. Det er en sann kunst å senke skuldrene, holde tilbake og la kraften i det varsomme fortelle levende historier" - Arild R. Andersen

In Our Home, Where We Live / Arild Rønsen
"En klassiker er skapt. For vakrere blir det faktisk ikke" - Arild Rønsen

Fantastiske Epler / Tor Hammerø
"...en klassiker fra en av jazzverdenens hippeste utvida "pianotrioer" - Tor Hammerø

Pick of the Week: Eple Trio
"A prime example of how the best expressions of the Nordic Jazz style can craft dreamy soundscapes of beauty and still be active and engaging" - Wonderingsound.com
From Sound & Image - DE

Universal Cycle / by Ruben Olsen Lærk
"This is a superbly executed soundtrack to long forgotten genres of science fiction movies about terraforming new planets" - Ruben Olsen Lærk

Sømløs Enhet / Olav Gorseth
"...en sømløs enhet av glimrende solister i inspirert samspill" - Olav Gorseth

Lira / Carl Magnus Juliusson
"Ibland är det så fint att det nästan är smärtsamt - det är skört och sårbart och strålande" - Carl Magnus Juliusson

Aron Nørsteby / Jazznytt
"Bandet forteller ekstremt tydelige historier som denne lytteren tas med i og tror på. Det er historier om at vakkert finnes" - Aron Nørsteby

Recommended: Eple Trio – “Universal Cycle”
"Just abeautiful album" - Dave Sumner

´Universal Cycle´ was made in a time where it felt natural to embrace extroversion as a mode of output. It may not become the norm.
From the liner notes, by Jonas H. Sjøvaag

 

Michael Mueller: This is one of the most achingly, stirringly beautiful albums I've heard. In the wrong hands, it would be mawkishly overwrought. But here, it is simply masterful. It's sincere, knowing, and very much from the heart.

The playing and composition are what make it so good. These are exceptional melodies.

Jazz need not be atonal to be considered modern or relevant.

There's still a lot of beauty in the world. This album reminds me to savour it. I play it when I'm happy; or when I'd like to me. Favorite track: Tipplers Insomnia.

Olga Kivius: I catch the real fun if I find on bandcamp my favorite musicians whom i am following for many years )
This Norwegian jazz piano trio is one of them. They are creative, melodic, bright. Their last release is notable by the participation of 2 great Norwegian musicians - the guitarist I.Grydeland (his works on the label HUBRO are absolutely fantastic, also he played on ECM, Sofa Music) & the renowned trumpeter M.Eick (ECM, ACT, Grappa, Ninja Tune), his music is always noticed by music lovers )) Favorite track: Setting Foot on Another Planet.