Tuesday 10 November Bjørn Berge takes the stage at Lille Ole Bull, in the spotlight with the album Morphine – a personal and powerful tribute to the American cult band Morphine.
Bjørn Berge has through a long career established himself as one of Norway's most distinctive guitarists and most uncompromising live artists. With his acoustic guitar he moves mountains and blows audiences away with a powerful, dynamic and groovy expression that moves seamlessly between blues, rock, funk and ballads. The guitarist from Haugesund has to date released 14 albums, received two Spellemannpriser in blues and been awarded Notodden Bluesfestival's Blues Prize. He tours regularly both in Europe and North America.
In spring 2026 Berge was ready with a brand new project dedicated to Morphine – a band that has been among his greatest musical inspirations since the 1990s. Morphine's dark, minimalist and distinctive expression, with baritone saxophone, two-string bass and deep groove, made a lasting impression on Berge early in his career.
– Morphine was something completely their own. They had groove, rawness and soul in a way that hit me immediately – and that still inspires me today, says Berge.
On the tribute album Bjørn Berge puts his clear musical imprint on selected songs from Morphine's catalogue. With great respect for the original material, but filtered through his own blues-based energy and expression, he gives the songs new life. By using a baritone guitar instead of a baritone saxophone he manages to preserve the Morphine vibe – while the music clearly bears Bjørn Berge's signature.
The result is a powerful meeting between two musical worlds, united by atmosphere, nerve and uncompromising musicality.
The concert at Lille Ole Bull offers a rare and intense live experience for both Morphine fans and Berge's loyal audience. This concert is part of the concert series Bergen Live Sessions.
