Jazz pianist Tord Gustavsen’s music continues to enchant and evolve, reaching out to an ever-growing audience with a blend of memorable melody, subtle groove, and a gentle depth of purpose. His latest CD – due for late-summer release on ECM Records – returns to his long-established trio format, embracing the full-sounding simplicity of the pianist’s concept of “Nordic blues”, with a series of new compositions in dialogue with ancient Scandinavian hymns and a strikingly original response to Bach’s chorales. He is joined by bassist Sigurd Hole and drummer Jarle Vespestad.

‘…nothing less than magical’ (Downbeat)

Elina Duni’s latest project – and ECM recording – ranges through traditional music from Albania, Kosovo, Armenia, Macedonia, Switzerland and Arab-Andalusia as well as songs by Jacques Brel and her own music – a fiercely individual voice, infused by jazz as well as her own cultural roots. She is joined by guitarist Rob Luft, a rising star of today’s UK scene, whose acclaimed debut recording last year combined West African joie de vivre with English folk music and independent rock.