Rarely do I place much importance on the physical appearance of musicians. Tord Gustavsen is an exception. I was completely unnerved by the Norwegian pianist’s resemblance to Dracula when I attended his concert at Queen Elizabeth Hall in 2012.
That’s why I’m surprised by the overt Christian elements on his album Seeing. Gustavsen, bassist Steinar Raknes on bass and drummer Jarle Vespestad continue to stretch the piano trio concept on the hymn “Nearer My God, to Thee”, Johann Sebastian Bach’s "Auf meinen lieben Gott" and originals with titles like “Beneath Your Wisdom”.
Between the trademark ECM production, cosmopolitan Euro-swing and contemplative theme, Seeing is squarely in my wheelhouse. Seeing may be my favorite piano trio album of 2024. Even so, I don’t want to be alone in the same room with Gustavsen after dark.