|
A while back I got nostalgic for the period in the late 70's when I discovered ECM records, driven by an interest in exploring jazz (and not knowing exactly what that was) and glowing reviews in the stereo magazines I'd recently discovered in the college library. Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, Ralph Towner, Pat Metheny, and the like soon started showing up in my record collection, and the quiet, mysterious, zen-like approach to music was a revelation.
Well, my nostalgia prompted some exploration of ECM releases from recent years. I didn't stop buying that music when the 70's ended, but it had been a while. One of the artists whose samples on Amazon really appealed to me was the Tord Gustavsen Trio, particularly three albums, The Ground, Being There, and The Well. I got Being There first, and not only does it sound like it might have been recorded in the golden age of ECM, it might just be one of the best things that company has ever released. The Ground and The Well arrived from Amazon today, and, on first listen, they're very much more of the same.
If you like this kind of music, if Keith Jarrett means anything to you, you really should hear these albums. Gustavsen is a just a superb pianist and composer, and his bandmates are just as good. The drummer, Jarle Vespestad, is truly one of the best jazz drummers I've ever heard. As usual with ECM, the recordings are pristine and sound just wonderful. Really, really great stuff. This group is looking like one of my biggest discoveries in a long time.
|
