Record Reviews

TORD GUSTAVSEN ~ BEING THERE ECM 2017 (Barcode: 602517235175) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2007 This is the third album on the ECMFind albums on this label label by the Norwegian pianist / composer Tord GustavsenFind albums by this artist and the last recording with his trio with bassist Harald JohnsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Jarle VespestadFind albums by this artist, which recorded also the two albums preceding this one. The album includes thirteen relatively short compositions, all by Gustavsen, which could be perceived as a continuous suite. The music, which represents the Nordic Jazz idiom perfectly, is deeply lyrical, melancholic and laid-back, often quite introvert and somewhat dark, but always beautiful and delightful. The decision to include many different melodic themes enhances the overall effect of this album, as such somber music can easily become overbearing and remote itself from the listener. The trio performs perfectly, as always, with elegance, flair and dedication. Listeners familiar with the earlier albums by this trio will surely enjoy this one as well, as it continues the same musical direction and sustains the same excellent level of composition and execution. Jazz piano trio connoisseurs will absolutely love this stuff of course. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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TORD GUSTAVSEN ~ CHANGING PLACES ECM 1834 (Barcode: 044001639722) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 - 2002 Released: 2003 This is the 1st album on the prestigious ECMFind albums on this label label by Norwegian pianist / composer Tord GustavsenFind albums by this artist. Recorded in a trio format with bassist Harald JohnsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Jarle VespestadFind albums by this artist this most impressive debut includes music, all composed by Gustavsen, which is absolutely brilliant in its typical Nordic way; relaxed, romantic, lyrical and beautifully melodic. Rather than dwelling in extended improvisations the album presents thirteen relatively short pieces, all of which are based on a beautiful melody line, which serves as a basis of sonic excursions. The trio performs superbly together, with the bass playing an important role and soloing extensively and the drummer fulfills the blanks and silences in between. Although some listeners might find the Nordic music "cold", this is a complete nonsense, and careful listening will eventually disclose the passionate nature of this music, beneath the stern exterior. Absolutely brilliant stuff and a major new voice!

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TORD GUSTAVSEN ~ RESTORED, RETURNED ECM 2107 (Barcode: 602517989870) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 This is the 4th album on the prestigious ECMFind albums on this label label by Norwegian pianist / composer Tord GustavsenFind albums by this artist. Following three superb albums recorded in a trio format, this one expands the lineup to a quintet adding vocalist Kristin AsbjornsenFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Tore BrunborgFind albums by this artist. Bassist Mats EilertsenFind albums by this artist replaces Harald JohnsenFind albums by this artist, who played on the first three albums and drummer Jarle VespestadFind albums by this artist stays in his position. The expanded lineup enables new avenues to be explored, especially the presence of vocals and usage of lyrics, written by the Anglo-American poet W. H. AudenFind albums by this artist. This typical Jazz & Poetry environment, often used by European composers, serves the music perfectly and presents the versatility of the composer. Beautifully performed, this album is a true delight from start to finish, and I can´t imagine anybody who loves music not being able to love this. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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TORD GUSTAVSEN ~ THE GROUND ECM 1892 (Barcode: 028947619383) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004 This is the 2nd album on the prestigious ECMFind albums on this label label by Norwegian pianist / composer Tord GustavsenFind albums by this artist. Recorded in a trio format, same as the debut, with bassist Harald JohnsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Jarle VespestadFind albums by this artist this most impressive follow up includes music, all composed by Gustavsen, which is absolutely brilliant in its typical Nordic way; relaxed, romantic, lyrical and beautifully melodic. Rather than dwelling in extended improvisations the album presents twelve relatively short pieces, all of which are based on a beautiful melody line, which serves as a basis of sonic excursions. The trio performs superbly together, with the bass playing an important role and soloing extensively and the drummer fulfills the blanks and silences in between. Although some listeners might find the Nordic music "cold", this is a complete nonsense, and careful listening will eventually disclose the passionate nature of this music, beneath the stern exterior. Absolutely brilliant stuff and a major new voice!

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TORD GUSTAVSEN ~ THE WELL ECM 2237 (Barcode: 602527858968) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2012 This is the 5th album on the prestigious ECMFind albums on this label label by Norwegian pianist / composer Tord GustavsenFind albums by this artist. His first three albums were recorded in a trio format, the fourth by an ensemble (quintet with a new bassist, saxophonist and female vocalist) and this album returns to the classic quartet format with saxophonist Tore BrunborgFind albums by this artist, bassist Mats EilertsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Jarle VespestadFind albums by this artist. The music, all composed by Gustavsen, is absolutely brilliant in its typical Nordic way; relaxed, romantic, lyrical and beautifully melodic. The quartet performs superbly, with the saxophonist often sounding like Jan GarbarekFind albums by this artist, and the rhythm session subtly fulfilling the blanks and silences in between. Although some listeners might find the Nordic music "cold", this is a complete nonsense, and careful listening will eventually disclose the passionate nature of this music, beneath the stern exterior. Absolutely brilliant stuff!

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