Tord Gustavsen Trio Ground CD

In the proto-typical Scandinavian ECM style of modern jazz oriented music, pianist Tord Gustavsen follows the path of previous progenitors influenced by Bill Evans, forged by Keith Jarrett, and extended by the likes of Mike Nock. This is certainly late-night, nocturnal music, completely reserved and relaxing, ultra-melodic, calm, peaceful, and non-threatening. Rarely does a tempo move beyond medium, a dynamic merge above mezzo piano, and any mood goes farther than moderately cool. Well within this consistent timbre, Gustavsen and his trio show a modicum of diversity and influences. Fellow ECM labelmate Bobo Stenson's style and technique is most extant during the lilting "Edges of Happiness," "Twins" is spiritual, calm, and light but not somber, while "Token of Tango" is perfectly representative of its title. "Curtains Aside" mixes march rhythm in 6/8 with a regal light funk, the delicate waltz "Being There" is reminiscent of "The Shadow of Your Smile," while darker ballads "Colours of Mercy" and "Sentiment" sport undoubtedly religious overtones. Gustavsen, while playing laid-back, pristine, pretty, and serene music, is far from challenging convention or pushing the envelope. Conversely, his personal voice is fully realized. Time will tell whether this style finds a worldwide audience, moves away from this type of contemporary texture music, or takes the approach he has established to any more extreme measures, even softer or more forceful. ~ Michael G. Nastos

Recording information: Rainbow Studio, Oslo, Norway (01/2004).

Photographer: Chris Tribble.

Tord Gustavsen Trio: Tord Gustavsen; Jarle Vespestad, Harald Johnsen.

Personnel: Tord Gustavsen (piano); Harald Johnsen (double bass); Jarle Vespestad (drums).

Down Beat (p.71) - 4 stars out of 5 - "The stately, hymn-like qualities of 'Reach Out And Touch It' give a hint of the blues."
JazzTimes (p.149) - "THE GROUND is uniformly beautiful, and the trio's rigorously restrained playing is a complete marvel."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.64) - Ranked #3 in Mojo's "2005 Jazz Albums Of The Year."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.101) - 4 stars out of 5 - "The trio's 'expressive minimalism' favours a hushed, stately interplay, musical parts that murmur, nudge and conjoin, an organic elegance."