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Tord Gustavsen Trio

Hymns, spirituals and lullabies. That’s the music Tord Gustavsen grew up with, and the ground he returns to as his jazz trio explores new territory.

Seeing is the Norwegian pianist’s tenth album for ECM and closes a trilogy of trio records that began in 2018. Bassist Steinar Raknes, who joined on the previous album, Opening, gives the music a full-bodied low end. His distinctive pizzicato draws on both African kora and American fingerpicking, while guitar pedals and loopers stretch out the sound of the double bass.

Drummer Jarle Vespestad, a former member of Supersilent, moves with great sensitivity between brushes, felt mallets and sticks. His precise, restrained playing gives the music both pulse and motion, in close dialogue with Gustavsen and Raknes. It’s music built on singing melodies, hushed grooves and open, impressionist harmonies that are given time and room to breathe.

LINEUP

Tord Gustavsen – piano, electronics
Steinar Raknes – bass, electronics
Jarle Vespestad – drums