Tord Gustavsen Trio

With only a few carefully chosen notes, he draws listeners into a musical world where melody is cherished as much as freedom to explore textures and soundscapes. Taking care to play only that which says something and leaving space for listeners to savor what has been said, his bands unite beauty and emotional intensity, touching souls in a way that many describe as spiritual. “For me, playing the piano is very similar to a meditation or prayer,” he says. “It’s about opening up to the forces of beauty and transcendence. Music can be a kind of deepest reality that exceeds everything words can express.” Gustavsen writes most his band’s material, memorable compositions that echo his days playing in church. His ninth album for ECM Records was released in April 2022 and is entitled Opening. Ten new Gustavsen compositions are joined by works of Norwegian composers Geirr Tveitt and Egil Hovland.