Credits:

Tord Gustavsen

Description:

This is the 10th commemorative album by ECM Records’ most beautiful pianist, who celebrated his 55th anniversary this year. Norwegian pianist Thord Gustafsen commented about the album, “It reflects my personal growth as I have grown older and have begun to pursue the essence of life and music. Through five Gustafsen originals, two Johann Sebastian Bach choral pieces, a traditional Norwegian church hymn, and the 19th-century English choral piece “Near My God, to Thee,” Tordo will be joined by longtime friends Jarre Vespesta (ds), Stainer Raknes ( double-b), Toldo delves deep into his own unique blend of jazz, blues, gospel, Scandinavian folk, and church music. The group’s interplay, which, as Toldo himself says, “is all about melody,” draws strength from restraint, patiently but simply building the music to its climax. The pianist, meanwhile, is an accomplished master of the trio format, leadi