Tord Gustavsen Trio

With Seeing, Tord Gustavsen opens a new, complex chapter in his series of acclaimed trio recordings, which he began in 2003 with the now classic album Changing Places. The new recording with its compact, concentrated song forms "reflects my personal development, I am getting older and concentrating more and more on the essentials in life and in music", says the Norwegian pianist. With five original compositions, two chorales by Johann Sebastian Bach, a traditional Norwegian hymn and the 19th century English hymn "Nearer My God, to Thee", Tord dives deep into his unmistakable blend of jazz, blues, gospel, Scandinavian folk and church music together with his long-time companion Jarle Vespestad on drums and Steinar Raknes on double bass. "Appreciating the melodies", as Tord puts it, the group's interplay draws strength from restraint and patiently builds the music towards its climaxes, while Gustavsen, a true master of the trio format, shapes the whole with his fine touch and his very special subtle gospel glow.