Tord Gustavsen

Norwegian pianist and composer Tord Gustavsen is one of Europe’s leading jazz pianists. Supporting the release of his tenth album on ECM records in 2024, he returns to the UK with his acclaimed trio. Continuously searching for a fresh and radically stripped-down honest beauty in music, his trio explores a holy trinity of emotional intensity, elegance and mediative musical breathing. A delicate individuality fuses with attentive listening to create magical interplay. 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 drummer Jarle Vespestad and bassist Steinar Raknes, adding strong, sensuous musical foundations and virtuosic playing. Sound design by Louise Lavoll adds subtle electronics and sound textures. Tord’s special ability to integrate jazz with ‘Nordic’ reflective moods and lyrical beauty has created one of the most intriguing voices on today’s scene. ‘.. a delicious collage of hypnotic grooving, softly stroked gospel themes.’ (The Guardian) Recommended age: 14+