Tord Gustavsen - piano
Tore Brunborg - saxophones
Mats Eilertsen - bass
Jarle Vespestad - drums
There was a ripple of applause as the bird-like figure of Tord Gustavsen and his new ensemble made up of some of Scandinavia's finest jazz musicians, took to the stage at the RNCM... then silence. Gently the undulating sound of Gustavsen's piano taking its first steps emerged from the stage.
From these first notes it was evident that this evening we were going to be taken on an exquisite musical voyage.
Although I had heard some of the Tord Gustavsen Trio's music, (and loved it), I wasn't familiar with any of the pieces performed by this ensemble; most of which were from a forthcoming album and therefore completely new, but that absolutely did not take anything away from the evening.
I always love coming to the RNCM, the venues and the ambiance of the college really add something to the concert experience. The packed theatre was alive with beautiful music. Gustavsen's virtuosity on the piano was evident, so involved with his instrument - feeling every note and savouring it's meaning. At each interval, he introduced the next piece in a whispered tone, as if speaking of something sacred and immensly valueable.
Eilertson on his gorgeous double bass added so much to the compositions and played a key part in the tonal development of each piece and its musicality. Being a bass player myself, I noticed he was using gut strings. These were perfect for this scenario; the sound of the bass was so natural and woody, and blended so wonderfully within the ensemble... And what a player! Switching between pizzicato and arco sections with ease - beautiful, textural bass.
Vespestad on drums brought an intense sensitivity. Moving with the music - sometimes leading, sometimes following. Occasionally hardly glancing the cymbals with his brushes. Truly melodic playing, the non-dampened toms ringing beautifully as they were played. His solo piece near the end of the set was a joy to listen to; drawing appreciative applause. Nothing heavy here, just great clarity and purposefulness.
Brunborg on saxophones seemed to be given so much space in which to breathe. At times sounding very much like Jan Garbarek. Beautiful soaring notes along with ones which questioned and interacted with the other musicians. At one point walking around the stage away from the microphones creating a sense of spaciousness and open air.
For me this music, and the sounds from quite a lot of the artists signed to the ECM label seem to echo the sound of creation itself. I always see imagery of wide open landscapes when I listen.
I will always be a fan of this genre of music. Artists like the Tord Gustavsen Trio, Jan Garbarek, Arild Anderson, Bobo Stenson Trio and the late Esbjörn Svensson and e.s.t. are typical and yet at the same time unique in painting fantastic artwork in the minds of their listeners.
Generally, European jazz in all its forms fascinates me, and I will continue to be an avid fan and someone who journeys within the soundscapes it creates.
