Tord Gustavsen Trio's 'Seeing': A Study in Restraint

In the world of jazz, where virtuosic solos often take center stage, it is unusual - and welcome - to encounter an album that finds its power in simplicity and restraint. The Tord Gustavsen Trio's latest offering, Seeing, does just that, presenting a collection of compositions that prioritize melody and interplay over flashy improvisation.

The Norwegian pianist, along with longtime collaborator Jarle Vespestad on drums and Steinar Raknes on double bass, has crafted an album that Gustavsen describes as reflecting his personal development, "going for the essentials in life and music."

The album's nine tracks showcase Gustavsen's distinctive talent, drawing from jazz, blues, gospel, Scandinavian folk, and church music. Five original compositions sit alongside two chorales after Johann Sebastian Bach, a traditional Norwegian church hymn, and the 19th-century English chorale "Nearer My God, to Thee." This eclectic mix creates a cohesive whole, unified by the trio's patient, nuanced approach.

Seeing's power lays in what Gustavsen calls the "efficiency of shape." Rather than extended solos, the trio invests in the interplay between instruments and the careful shaping of improvised sections. This approach results in compact, concentrated song forms that pack an emotional punch without overstaying their welcome.

The album's sound, captured at Studios La Buissonne in Southern France, is warm and intimate. Of particular note is the interplay between Gustavsen's piano and Raknes' double bass, with the latter's rich, wooden tones standing out in the mix. Vespestad's subtle drumming provides the perfect foundation, never overpowering but always present.

The closing track, "Seattle Song," offers insight into the trio's creative process. Born from a soundcheck jam in Seattle last year, the piece began as a simple piano idea that Gustavsen initially considered as a solo interlude. However, when Raknes and Vespestad spontaneously joined in, it evolved into a full trio piece that captures the album's essence of "subtly comforting" interplay.

Seeing serves as a cool contrast to the Tord Gustavsen Trio's live performances, which often feature more extended forms and free improvisations. Yet, as Gustavsen notes, both studio and live approaches share the same goal: to capture what feels most vibrant and essential in the moment.

Seeing is available now on CD and 2-LP formats starting September 20, 2024. The trio embarks on a tour throughout Europe in autumn 2024 and winter 2024/25, with stops in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the UK, Austria, Switzerland, and Norway. Find the latest dates and ticket information here.