Tord Gustavsen Ensemble, Edinburgh Queen’s Hall
Tord Gustavsen
October 16th 2009
Tord Gustavsen is a young (well, young in Jazz terms) Norwegian composer and pianist who signed to the brilliant ECM Records in 2003. Over four decades ECM has released nearly two thousand albums of contemporary jazz and classical music, including records by respective giants of their fields, Keith Jarrett, Jan Garbarek, Steve Reich and Arvo Pärt. To be counted among their number is a considerable honour, and one that Gustavsen will prove himself worthy of during tonight’s performance.
The key term applicable to much of ECM’s back catalogue is ‘minimalist’, and Gustavsen’s music is no exception. Having said that, for this tour and his most recent record Restored, Returned the Tord Gustavsen Trio has expanded to Ensemble now featuring saxophonist Tore Brunborg and (absent for this tour) vocalist Kristin Asbjørnsen, alongside regular double bassist Mats Eilertsen and drummer Jarle Vesperstad.
From the off, the set is one beheld with hushed reverence and contemplation. The music is gentle and understated, marked by brittle folk-tinged piano lines, muted saxophone and a sparse rhythm section.
‘The Child Within’ begins with suitably playful interweaving melodies between piano and sax. However, it develops into an altogether stormier affair, to disquieting effect, a suitable reminder of the power these combined instruments can have played louder too. The next piece, new and as yet untitled, is among the highlights of the evening. A surprisingly long and complex composition, it is a promising and tantalising sign of things to come from this new ensemble.
Much of what follows is a combination of deep, contemplative melancholy, contrasted with louder, more forceful full band passages. It’s worth bearing in mind that this is the debut live performance of these four musicians together, and all the more impressive when considering this.
After extended rapturous applause at the end of the set, Gustavsen, in his hushed, Americanised Scandinavian tones introduces a piece called ‘The Spiral’, an aptly named swirling, brooding piece that creeps into an entrancing maelstrom.
The second encore is a beautiful ‘Lullaby’, performed solo by Gustavsen and only two or three minutes long. Its delicate and brittle yet warm melody lingers long after the last note has rung out, fading and haunting the consciousness like a dream upon waking.
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