Tord Gustavsen Trio

The music of Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen has been performed and recorded with many ensembles of different sizes, as well as solo. His longstanding trio, however, has remained his first choice for recorded expression. Together they create a hypnotic, sometimes vaporous atmosphere melding restraint, tension, and release. Their first incarnation included drummer Jarle Vespestad and bassist Harald Johnsen. Their 2003 debut, Changing Places, appeared on ECM. This lineup followed with The Ground in 2005, and Being There in 2007. The pianist put them on hiatus for more than a decade in order to record with his other ensembles. The TGT returned with The Other Side in 2018, with temporary bassist Sigurd Hole replacing Johnsen. Hole was replaced by permanent bassist/electronicist Steinar Raknes for 2022's Opening and 2024's Seeing.