Pianist and composer Tord Gustavsen is a big name in the Norwegian jazz scene. Not only did he accompany many vocalists – like the Norwegian nightingale Silje Nergaard who, again, will perform at the festival –, he also is a sideman who is much in demand. Tord’s 2003 debut CD Changing Places was recorded and released by the Germany based, prestigious quality label ECM. With his trio, including bassist Harald Johnsen and drummer Jarle Vespestad, he builds bridges between tradition and renewal using influences from Scandinavian folk music, gospel, Caribbean music and cool jazz. The trio’s playing is lyrical, full of atmosphere and a little bit funky. In Tord’s playing there’s a touch of the early Keith Jarrett, with a lot of beautiful melodies and dreamy, sometimes seductive turns.
