One of the most personal pianists around, Tord Gustavsen brings together his team of Sigurd Hole/b and Jarle Vespestad/dr to deliver not only some originals, but a handful of works from kindred masters.
Of the latter, Gustavsen examines the songbook of fellow believer JS Bach, with a wonderfully dark and dramatic “O Traurigleit” a fun “Schlafes Bruder” with some joyful shuffling provided by Vespestad and a “Jesu Mein Freude/Jesus, de eneste” that brims with fidelity. The dramatic and complex traditional “Ingen Vinner Fre mTil Den Evige Ro” as fascinating interplay between piano and drums, while the two rumble on the ominous “Duality” with Gustavsen showing strong digital work. Bass and drum simmer as Gustavsen gets lyrical and bluesy during “Re-Melt” and the team undulate with elan for the folksy and rich “The Other Side.” The team is touring the states in the fall; check them out if they’re within driving distance!