On this third outing for ECM, pianist/composer Tord Gustavsen comes full circle on Being There.

When he signed to the label in 2003, issuing his debut, Changing Places, he and his collaborators -- bassist Harald Johnsen and drummer Jarle Vespestad -- dug deeply into close-knit quarters, creating a detailed yet expressionistic examination of the more melancholy human emotions.

Being There completes a trilogy of elegantly layered, spacious jazz from the most introspective elements.

As a pianist and composer, Gustavsen employs only the barest essentials.

There is no fiery technique, no gimmickry that will heighten or dampen the mood, no harmonic drift.

This music flows from a source, albeit quietly and enigmatically, looking into territory explored on this side of the Atlantic on earlier albums by Brad Mehldau, albeit with a distinctly Northern European voice.

Perfect for ECM, the music is cool, almost uncomfortably so, such that when its lyricism is fully given voice it often takes the listener by surprise, instilling a kind of silence that breeds wonder rather than detachment.

Manfred Eicher's signature production allows Gustavsen's piano the sheer deliberation and consideration he requires to put his gorgeous melodies into the air.

This rhythm section doesn't follow his lead so much as flow into it, playing as a single voice, allowing these songs form and function.

Gustavsen's imagery is skeletal, yet he shines light into the darkened corners of those less than celebratory moodscapes, bringing an intricate balance to both lyric and emotion.

Tord Gustavsen Trio

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2005 - 12 tracks

The Ground - Tord Gustavsen Trio

7 out of 5

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