Search - Tord Gustavsen, Tord Gustavsen Trio :: The Ground

Casts a Spell

Karl W. Nehring | Ostrander, OH USA | 07/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a lovely recording. Tord Gustavsen (piano) and his bandmates Harald Johnsen (bass) and Jarle Vespestad (drums) have a way of casting dreamy spells with their instruments and interaction. Some critics have bemoaned their style, but such criticism to me seems simply to miss the point--these guys are very good at what they do, so it would be one thing to say they do not do it well, but to complain that you don't like this kind of music is beside the point. (That is one reason I rarely review rock recordings-- most of it I just don't like any more, but to moan about that in the context of picking on some particular recording would not be of much use to anyone.)



Yes, the tempi are slow, the melodies are languid, and things do get a bit, uh, precious at times. Still, there is great beauty here, and real skill. If you want to get beat over the head by a piano trio, try the Bad Plus. If on the other hand you want gentle, but intensely romantic playing, i.e., "emotion reflected in tranquility," The Ground is pure paydirt. It is a lovely, lovely recording."

There is a lot going on, without showing off

Busy listener | Italy | 08/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is full of interesting ideas, great melodies and skillfull playing, but without the in-your-face showing off of chops that we often get served in US piano trios. Yes, it takes more careful listening to see how great these musicians are, but it is worth the effort. And the fact that the music works on many levels, including just being beautiful, helps as well. If you like this, you might also enjoy Marcin Wasilewski trio."