“An original pianist with an impressionistic style, Ken Berman performs eight of his compositions on Looking Forward. Berman teams up with electric bassist Kai Eckhardt (an excellent soloist who gets a generous amount of solo space) and the subtle drummer Akira Tana. While Berman, who teaches at Berkeley and Stanford University, can be compared to other pianists who engage in close interplay with their sidemen in trios such as Richie Beirach, Keith Jarrett and of course Bill Evans, in reality he has his own chord voicings and ideas.

Most of the performances on Looking Forward feature thoughtful playing and gradual development at a relatively quiet volume. This is the type of jazz that grows in interest with each listening because it is quite subtle, is full of inner heat, and its details tend to reveal themselves over time.

The overall music is intriguing and well worth a close listen.”

“Piano trios are no longer what they were in the era of Bill Evans or Keith Jarrett. They're not always trying to plough through standards or set a darkly romantic mood. In fact, some of the newer trio leaders are learning to treat their pianos as percussion instruments. They're willing to sometimes let the bass and drum take reign. They're less concernedwith virtuosity, or more interested in forward-motion. They'll even compose from a drummer's point of view. Ken Berman tries that approach on the title track of his new album, Looking Forward. It's arguably the most interesting composition on a record that won't suffer for lack of originality. Akira Tana provides a bustling drumbeat, working his ride cymbal for a large portion of the song. Berman plays the theme with a triplet feel. He solos with short, clipped phrases and lots of space between notes. It bumps.

Known locally as both a bandleader as music teacher — he sits on the faculty of UC Berkeley's Music Department — Berman has garnered comparisons to Jarrett and Evans, probably more for his versatility than anything else. Tonally, he's funky and contemporary, more closely aligned to Vijay Ayer or Aaron Parks than straight-ahead players of the past. Even the prettier, moodier numbers on Looking Forward — ones like "Sailing to Byzantium" and "Reflections" — have a discernible pulse. Other songs, like "April Fools," are quick and tricky. "Pot Hole Road Rage" resists traditional harmony. Kai Eckhardt plays electric bass throughout, which gives the groove a sharper, contemporary edge.

Berman took a big risk on Looking Forward. He put together eight original tunes that varied in length and style, and chose an abstract concept (movement) to unify them. Looking Forward has no standards, no jazz versions of a pop tune, and no hip-hop backbeats. It straddles genre, but not intentionally. And his music is hard, to boot. But ultimately, the album makes good on its name. ”

“When listening to Ken Berman's trio CD In Mind, it is easy to think of Keith Jarrett and Bill Evans, for Berman's chord voicings and his close interplay with his sidemen recall the work of his two predecessors. The difference is that Berman wrote all ten selections, he never copies Evans or Jarrett, and at times he sounds more advanced than either of them.” “The music overall is both swinging and thoughtful, spontaneous and purposeful. It is worthy of several listens and easily recommended.”

“Composer Ken Berman is sometimes compared to Keith Jarrett; that's a compliment. But the Ken Berman Trio's music makes us think more of drinking strong tea in the avenues on a socked-in foggy day than of any particular compere the local music prof may have. It's contemplative jazz, gentle but without a trace of fluff or artifice.”

“Gifted with a very fine touch and a state-of-the-art technique,” Ken Berman composes “very cool jazz, not at all cerebral, and extremely well-played.”

“Ken Berman may not know much about the correct way of spelling the name "Burman", but he certainly knows a thing or two about playing jazz piano. And about composing for it. If you like piano trios, and interesting performances of original melodies that are, turn by turn, hypnotic or lilting, waltzing or funky, then keep "In Mind" in mind. ”

“Ken Berman, a harmonically inventive pianist, is a promising new addition to the Bay Area jazz scene.”

“A dynamic and inventive trio, with a fluid and sensitive sound reminiscent of the great piano trios of Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans, and Nat King Cole. They primarily perform critically acclaimed original material written by pianist and composer Ken Berman.”

“A beautiful, remarkable piece of music”

“New York Pianist Ken Berman has been the talk of the town and in the clubs of Paris - the capital of jazz - for several seasons. In 2003, he recorded an excellent album of standards. Precise and inventive, he will appear at the Sunside with Fabien Marcoz on the bass and David Grebil on the drums.”

“Le pianiste new-yorkais, Ken Berman fait parler de lui dans les clubs de la capitale du jazz depuis quelques saisons.  Il a enregistré, en 2003, un album de reprises de standards fort bien mené.  Précis et inventif, il aura pour compagnon au Sunside Fabien Marcoz á la contrebasse et David Grebil á la batterie.”

“The fluid and erudite American artist Ken Berman, whose latest album, "The Ken Berman Trio" combines a complex range of improvisation with delicate sensuality and brilliance.”

“Le fluide et érudit Ken Berman joue sur les registres complexes de l’improvisation autant que sure une sensualité légère et éclatante.”