Tord Gustavsen piano
Jarle Vespestad drums
Steinar Raknes double bass
Louise Lavoll sound design

Norwegian pianist and composer Tord Gustavsen’s music continues to evolve, teasing out beautiful melodies and subtle rhythmic movements from a gentle and profound sonic space. In spring 2022, Tord releases his ninth album with the iconic ECM Records. An album combining both his mesmeric original compositions and hymns, this is music for the soul.

Gustavsen’s earlier trio albums had a quietness and grounded sensuality that immediately earned him a large international audience. Changing Places, Gustavsen’s 2003 recording debut with his trio, was ECM’s most successful debut in a decade. His 2018 album The Other Side embraced again the full-sounding simplicity of the ‘Nordic Blues’, setting it against expansive harmonic landscapes.

Playing music from his new album, as well as material from previous releases, Tord is joined by his regular drummer Jarle Vespestad and introduces bassist Steinar Raknes, adding strong, sensuous musical foundations and virtuous soloistic playing, taking the trio to yet another level. Sound design by Louise Lavoll adds subtle electronics and sound textures.

a trilogy [that] could be the most essential jazz document of the last ten years. Sublime. The Independent

… a delicious collage of hypnotic grooving, softly stroked gospel themes. The Guardian