The sixth ECM album from Tord Gustavsen, recorded in Oslo in June 2013, quietly but most assuredly takes the Norwegian pianist’s music to the next stage of its development. Gustvasen’s quartet with Tore Brunborg, Mats Eilertsen and long-term associate Jarle Vespestad has matured into a group whose interactions draw strength from restraint, patiently building the music toward its climaxes. Here are new gospel-tinged pieces and ballads from Tord’s pen, gentle and luminescent group improvisations, and an ecstatic interpretation of the Norwegian traditional “Eg Veit I Himmerik Ei Borg” (“I Know A Castle In Heaven”).
Review:
The title of pianist Tord Gustavsen's sixth offering for ECM is, like
his compositions, elusive on the surface but imparting multiple shades of
meaning. His first three albums with the label showcased a trio; his last three
the expanded setting of a quartet. Gustavsen's pianism is distinct and was
developed over time while backing vocalists. The subtlety and lyricism from that
time are embedded in his compositional DNA. His music as a bandleader has moved
ever outward from a still – not static – center. This was especially
prevalent on the trio recordings, where an intentional emphasis of restraint was
placed on timbre, texture, and space (and can be heard on the bookend trio
pieces here, “Right There” and “The Prodigal Song”). Over the quartet
albums, his work has embraced a wider palette of colors and dynamics with a
considerably expanded harmonic field. With saxophonist Tore Brunborg, bassist
Mats Eilertsen, and drummer Jarle Vespestad, Gustavsen pushes at the boundaries
of the circle and expands its reach. The traditional Norwegian hymn, “Eg Veit
I Himmerik Ei Borg,” showcases elegant chord voicings balanced by a
turbulent, rhythmic undercurrent led by Vespestad's simmering drums, and
woody dynamic support from Eilertsen that adds tension and dynamic.
Brunborg's solo moves to the edges, nearly free of melodic constraints as
Gustavsen's changes become more percussive to accommodate him. “Staying
There” is an excellent showcase for Brunborg on a nearly funky blues groove.
“The Gift” finds his rumbling tenor utterance in the tune's head, deep,
warm, and soulful above a spacious, circular piano vamp and a rhythm section
whose playing alternates between procession and shuffle. “Devotion” features
lovely arco playing from Eilertsen in a rubato tone poem; its melody is based on
Christian sacred music. The elliptical group playing at its center is especially
appealing and connected. “The Embrace” is a canny modern jazz meld of gospel
themes and soul music. On the midtempo “Glow,” Gustavsen's vulnerability
shines through as Brunborg answers his lines with emotive assent and
encouragement. On Extended Circle, the pianist's roots remain contemplative,
but the maturity of the communication among these players provides a more fluid
and physical sense of motion, revealing a multi-faceted approach to both playing
his tunes and improvising.
All Music Guide – Thom Jurek