Jazz Articles about Tord Gustavsen

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Tord Gustavsen Trio: Being There

by John Kelman
June 10, 2007

Since its 2003 ECM debut Changing Places, pianist Tord Gustavsen's trio has gradually been working its way out of a core concept that initially mined a surprising and remarkable wealth of what, on first glance, appeared to be a limited scope of tempo and dynamic. Like an ever-expanding series of concentric circles, Gustavsen, bassist Harald Johnsen and drummer Jarle Vesperstad have evolved their approach, introducing greater breadth so subtly that, unless one listens to previous albums including The Ground (ECM, ...

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Tord Gustavsen Trio: The Ground

by Ollie Bivens
October 24, 2005

Sure to be on many best of lists, The Ground is helping point the way forward for jazz music worldwide. The eleven chamber jazz tracks, all composed by Gustavsen, never stray far from blues and gospel music chords and voicings, and they produce a bountiful buffet. The piano trio adds a bit of Satie ("Tears Transforming"), a dash of flamenco ("Sentiment"), and a heaping of tango ("The Ground," “Being There"), with Gustavsen's piano substituting for the bandeon, the accordion-like instrument ...

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Tord Gustavsen Trio: The Ground

by John Kelman
April 4, 2005

When Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen's trio emerged on the scene in '03 with its ECM debut Changing Places, it was an odd phenomenon. On first glance it was so subtle-- almost too subtle--that it felt somehow underwhelming. And yet, over time, it revealed a charm, graceful beauty and slight melancholy that became more and more compelling with each listen. Working with short, song-like miniatures and a distinctive ambience that truly breathed, Gustavsen, bassist Harald Johnsen and drummer Jarle Vespestad examined ...

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Tord Gustavsen Trio: Changing Places

by Javier AQ Ortiz
November 22, 2003

Quick and to the Point: There's no other point but excellence in this breath of fresh jazz.

Devoid of bleariness, even when experienced as a placid stroll, Changing Places has accordionesque pianistic motifs and intermittently tango-sizing musical discreetnessas conceived and performed on the highlight, “Graceful Touch." On this tune, melodically strong sinuous sensuality and corresponding harmonic chord changes seduce one's neural biochemistry, giving rise to what we know as sheer pleasure. It reeks of stone-filtered Mediterranean, Iberian, and ...

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Tord Gustavsen Trio: Changing Places

by AAJ Staff
May 1, 2003

Whether by intent or coincidence--unlikely!--ECM Records has carved out a special niche for the jazz piano trio. With almost no exceptions, the label's trio records sound at once quiet and restless, introspective and searching. Leading the pack is American pianist Keith Jarrett's Standards Trio, with 14 records since 1983. Jarrett's insistent fixation on melody, especially in the context of the jazz canon, has become monolithic. Other pianists who have made significant contributions to the label's characteristically spare, crisp trio sound ...