Record Reviews
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  | 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!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | ANDERS JORMIN ~ ONCE
DRAGON 308 (Barcode: 7391953003082) ~ SWEDEN ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 1996 Released: 1997
This is the 5th album by the Swedish bassist / composer / bandleader Anders JorminFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with Swedish saxophonist Thomas GustafsonFind albums by this artist, vocalist Jeanette LindstromFind albums by this artist and Norwegian drummer Jarle VespestadFind albums by this artist. The album presets ten tracks, three of which are original compositions by Jormin, one is co-composed by him and one is co-composed by Gustafson and Vespestad, and the rest are arrangements of standards and traditional songs.
The music is based on composed themes, but is highly improvised, and quite complex. The Scandinavian mood and atmosphere prevail and Jormin’s virtuosic bass performances are the apex of the performances. For lovers of modern vocal Jazz, Lindstrom’s performances are also superb. Obviously the music requires open mindedness and patience, but the musical values are highly potent and reflect the incredible level of the European Jazz scene at the end of the last Century.
Anders Jormin established a remarkable career both as a leader and sideman with such legendary Jazz musicians like Charles LloydFind albums by this artist, Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist or Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist among others, and has a long list of exceptional recordings to his credit since the mid-1980s. This album, recorded with some of the top European Jazz players is certainly up to par with the rest of his work.
Overall, this is a breathtaking example of highly advanced European Jazz / Improvised Music, which lost nothing of its potent emotions and qualities since the time it was recorded over a quartet of a Century ago. Highly recommended!
| | Updated: 05/07/2026Posted: 05/07/2026 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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