Tord Gustavsen Trio: The Ground (2005)

The Ground

Tord Gustavsen, Harald Johnsen, Jarle Vespestad

This album was among the first that I listened to during my transition from classical, to jazz music back in my college days. I actually discovered this band at my local library, and fell in love with it when I heard it. I was expecting a typical, upbeat, swing album. Instead I got a very gentle, mellow, relaxed sound of jazz. Gustavsen (piano) wants to get the most out of every note that he plays. Indeed, every drum stroke, bass slide and accented note is deliberately crafted into each piece. No sound is out of place.

The opening track, “Tears Transforming”, portrays the atmosphere that the album will impress. There is a feeling of suspense, with seven seconds elapsing before any music is heard. Gustavsen opens the album with a single, repeated piano note, transitioning to a delicate, simplistic, yet beautiful melody. Johnsen (upright bass), and Vespestad (drums) come in with a very gentle accompaniment, and as the tune progresses, their phrases get more and more complex. Towards the end of the piece, Johnsen plays in unison with Gustavsen, referencing a part of the melody. As a bass player, it’s always nice to here the melody, or in this case, part of it being played on the bass.

The track, “Being There” (track 2), like all of Gustavsen’s works, has a very soothing quality to it. The melody builds nicely, climaxing with a syncopated descending chordal phrase, played in unison between the bass and piano. This is such a beautiful tune, short and sweet, at just over 4 minutes. What I particularly love about this tune, is the ending. The final chord is not played at the same time between the players. Johnsen is a little bit late with the final root note. I believe that this was done deliberately, to suggest a feeling, or quality of imperfection. And to steer away from keeping the music too tight, and portraying a relaxed, loose style of musicianship. I love the ending.

“Curtains Aside” (track 4), in my opinion, has a very well though out, and constructed melody. This is one of Gustavsen’s more modern compositions. A more radio friendly tune. He lets himself go with his solos, but still manages to maintain that relaxed, mellow mood that he desires. This tune is reprised later on in the album under the title, “Interlude” (track 10), where Gustavsen plays without accompaniment, and shreds over the tune, and its chord changes, throwing in some additional, dissonant chords and extensions. The track ends with an unresolved chord, which many people don’t like, but I do. It adds that element of suspense and curiosity. An unfinished journey.

“Sentiment” (track 6), features Harald Johnsen on the upright bass. He gets his first real solo of the album, and utilizes the whole range of the instrument. The drumming in this track, like most of their tunes, is very soft. Vespestad, in my opinion, is a very humble drummer. I have a great appreciation for him, because he puts his chops aside, to further improve the music. This can be difficult to do when you reach a high musical ability. But when you truly love the music that you have the privilege of participating in, you try your best to avoid jeopardizing it by putting your ego in the way.

The title track, and longest of the album, “The Ground” (track 12) has a very jazzy feel to it, in terms of chordal voicings, and the melodic lines that Gustavsen chose for it. What I love about his playing style, is how he makes everything he plays count. Every chord, lick and note is worked so that he can get the most out of it’s sound and colour. His use of dynamics (accented notes, forte and pianissimo) add that flavor to a potentially lifeless pitch. He crafts, molds, and manipulates the notes to create more than just nice sounding music, but a beautiful, emotional artform. The album closes off with another slightly “imperfect” resolution chord. I love it! A moving, deeply emotional album with plenty of life in it. Amazing!

I gave this album, overall, a 7 out of 10.

That’s all for now. If you have any questions about this album, or music general, please feel free to contact me. I hope this has been an inspiring read! Thanks as always.

Talk to you soon,

Jared

Edit: This album is way to good to be a mere 7.

New rating: 9 out of 10!

17/3/08