Tord Gustavsen Trio
The Tord Gustavsen Trio is the piano trio of Norwegian pianist and composer Tord Gustavsen, born in Oslo in 1970 and raised in Hurdal, who grew up playing church music. The trio records for ECM, and its quiet, melodic jazz often draws on Norwegian hymns and Bach chorales next to Gustavsen's own tunes. Its debut Changing Places (2003) opened a long run of albums for the label, and drummer Jarle Vespestad has been with the group from the start. The first line-up, with Harald Johnsen on double bass, made Changing Places, The Ground (2005) and Being There (2007).
Opening
The repertoire features original compositions and Norwegian folk themes, balancing lyrical melodies with subtle harmonic exploration. Pieces such as “The Circle” and “Stream” highlight Gustavsen’s ability to let themes emerge organically, favoring pa…
Seeing
Tord Gustavsen Trio with Jarle Vespestad (drums) and Steinar Raknes (double bass): five Gustavsen originals, a Norwegian hymn, two Bach chorales and Nearer My God, to Thee. Recorded October 2023 at Studios La Buissonne, produced by Manfred Eicher. EC…
The Other Side
Piano trio album by Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen with Sigurd Hole (double bass) and Jarle Vespestad (drums): originals, Bach chorales and Norwegian hymns, recorded January 2018 at Rainbow Studio, Oslo, produced by Manfred Eicher.
Being There
Third and last album of Tord Gustavsen's ECM trilogy, with Harald Johnsen (double bass) and Jarle Vespestad (drums). Twelve Gustavsen pieces and one by Johnsen, recorded December 2006 at Rainbow Studio, Oslo, produced by Manfred Eicher.
The Ground
Second album by the Tord Gustavsen Trio: twelve compositions by Gustavsen (piano) with Harald Johnsen (double bass) and Jarle Vespestad (drums). Recorded January 2004, Rainbow Studio, Oslo; produced by Manfred Eicher.
Changing Places
Debut album of the Tord Gustavsen Trio: Tord Gustavsen (piano), Harald Johnsen (double bass), Jarle Vespestad (drums), recorded December 2001 and June 2002 at Rainbow Studio, Oslo, produced by Manfred Eicher. First vinyl edition (2LP) of ECM 1834 (20…