Tord Gustavsen has been a force to be reckoned with on the Norwegian jazz scene for several years. His constant search for that pure, beautiful tone in every phrase he plays has become a powerful trademark. His trio delivers melodic and creative chamber jazz with exquisite sensitivity and intense interplay.
Gustavsen has released seven albums on ECM, his Stavanger arrival heralding an eighth release on the label. He has been accoladed with Norwegian Grammys and reaped countless positive reviews. His last album with Afghan-German vocalist Simin Tander, won the German Record Critics’ Award as one of 12 best albums of the year, independent of genre.
After his fourth album in quartet and ensemble format, Gustavsen now returns to the trio constellation for which he initially became known, together with new bassist Sigurd Hole and long-standing drummer Jarle Vespestad.
The music has been described as «wordless psalms» or «abstract gospel». Sources of inspiration can be traced to, among others, Scandinavian folk music, French impressionism, Caribbean music and psalms. All have their place in Gustavsen’s new, yet familiar universe. A universe where the powerful melody is at the helm and the meditative presence plots the course.
Chosen critics’ quotes:
- «A trilogy [that] could be the most essential jazz document of the last ten year. Sublime.»
(The Independent, UK)
- «A stunningly beautiful recording… draws the listener in so completely – making us consider each note, each small gesture in its ethereal, shimmering whole…nothing less than magical.»
(Downbeat, USA – 4 1/2 of 5 stars)
- «.. a delicious collage of hypnotic grooving, softly stroked gospel themes.»
(The Guardian, UK)
- «Every note is perfectly placed»
(The Times, UK)