The Other Side

Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen gained recognition as leader of a meditative trio with his first ECM releases Changing Places, The Ground, and Being There. Then he expanded, adding tenor sax to form a quartet, working with vocalists and pursuing other collaborations. The Other Side is a return to the trio form in which he thrives so masterfully, particularly alongside drummer Jarle Vespestad, a linchpin of every Gustavsen recording to date. The group’s new bassist, Sigurd Hole, an elegant player and a bandleader in his own right, easily fits into Gustavsen’s expansive world. The music evokes the stillness of northern climes, even when the tempo perks up on a waltz like “Re-Melt” or the interplay gets stormy on “O Traurigkeit” (one of three Bach adaptations). Gustavsen’s subtle electronics on “Duality” and “Taste and See” bring an added mystery.