Norwegian jazz pianist and composer Tord Gustavsen’s music continues to evolve, teasing out beautiful melodies and subtle rhythmic movements from a gentle and profound sonic space. Tord returns to the EFG London Jazz Festival with his stellar piano trio with his regular drummer Jarle Vespestad and now with Steinar Raknes on bass.

Gustavsen’s compositions draw inspiration from Norwegian folk melodies and classical music. His earlier trio albums had a quietness and grounded sensuality that immediately earned him a large international audience. His 2018 album The Other Side embraced again the full-sounding simplicity of the “Nordic Blues”, setting it against expansive harmonic landscapes. As Gustavsen puts it: ‘I have the clear feeling that stretching out and being creative happens organically, avoiding alienation and stiffness, when done in energetic connection with my roots – with the groundedness and sensuality of the hymns and the spirituals and the lullabies I grew up with.’

Tord returns to UK venues this year with his classic piano trio expanded with subtle electronics. Playing music from his latest ECM records release Opening as well as material from previous releases.

‘A trilogy that could be the most essential jazz document of the last ten years. Sublime.’ (The Independent)

‘A delicious collage of hypnotic grooving, softly stroked gospel themes.’ (The Guardian)

Stage times:
19:30 Ellen Andrea Wang
20:00 Interval
20:20 Tord Gustavsen Trio
22:00 End

Age guidance: 14+