Opening

Tord Gustavsen Trio

Released on 8/4/22 by ECM
Main artists: Tord Gustavsen Trio
Genre: Jazz

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Changing Places, Tord Gustavsen’s first trio album on ECM in 2002, immediately laid the foundations for a unique sound which combines the minimalist, contemplative nature of Scandinavian jazz with a more spiritualistic approach. It takes inspiration from both gospel and Nordic folk hymns, and Gustavsen has deviated very little from this aesthetic path. Even though he’s offered us some musical projects with more developed orchestrations over the years, mostly with singer Kristin Asbjørnsen and saxophonist Tore Brunborg (Restored, Returned), the trio has remained the preferred medium of this Norwegian whenever he plays in concert. It seems to be the format that allows him to best capture everything he wants to say through music. He returned to this trio format in 2018 with his record The Other Side, and he seemed to pick up exactly where he left off with Being There ten years earlier. In his latest album, Opening, Gustavsen is still accompanied by the faithful Jarle Vespestad on drums. However, this time, he disrupts his beautifully balanced compositions with double bassist Steinar Raknes. Raknes modifies the collective dynamic not only through new avenues of instrumental dialogue but also through the electronic effects on his instrument, leading to a real revolution in the sonic identity of the ensemble. Gustavsen’s signature sound can still be heard on the tracks that open the album, with music that’s both sensual and meditative. It develops organically and there’s an ever-present sense that there’s more to this music than meets the ear. From intentionally simple tracks with incredible melodic power, the atmosphere of the album gradually and almost imperceptibly changes as it progresses, due to the increasingly prominent use of electronics. Drenched in an atmospheric aura laiden with complex textures, this music follows the evanescent beat of pointillist drums. The fluid piano echoes with nostalgia and the music takes on an almost cinematographic suspense. It feels like a prelude to an event that always happens offstage. With Opening, Tord Gustavsen has undeniably opened a new chapter in this trio’s musical story. © Stéphane Ollivier/Qobuz

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Opening

Tord Gustavsen Trio

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