Pianist

Norwegian pianist and composer Tord Gustavsen is one of Europe’s leading jazz pianists. Supporting the release of his tenth album on ECM records in 2024, he returns to the UK with his acclaimed trio.

Continuously searching for a fresh and radically stripped-down honest beauty in music, his trio explores a holy trinity of emotional intensity, elegance and mediative musical breathing. A delicate individuality fuses with attentive listening to create magical interplay.

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Tord Gustavsen Trio

Cadogan Hall 

Pianist Tord Gustavsen’s music is the offspring of American jazz and European influences, a uniquely Norwegian sound that unites beauty with emotional intensity. With a few carefully chosen notes, he draws listeners into a world where melody is cherished as much as the freedom to explore textures and soundscapes. His band’s interplay creates a genuine ensemble rapport, leaving space for the audience to savor each note. “Gustavsen is a Svengali of the piano. He draws you into his encompassing atmosphere of rapt contemplation” (Jazz Times).

Lafayette College

Taking care to play only that which says something, and leaving space for listeners to savor what has been said, his bands unite beauty and emotional intensity in their playing and improvisation. His two Mondavi Center appearances have been spiritual moments for many audience members, a very intentional effect. “For me,” he says, “playing the piano is very similar to a meditation or prayer.”

Vanderhoef Studio Theatre

Cool and mysterious, pristine and intensely emotional, the music of Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen has earned a vast following while making few populist concessions. Easily the most acclaimed composer and pianist on the Norwegian jazz scene, he’s released a series of critically hailed albums culminating in his 2024 ECM recording Seeing, with his longstanding trio including bassist Steinar Raknes and drummer Jarle Vespestad.

Pianist

Tord Gustavsen

Events

Upcoming events

20 - 21 Mar, 2026

Tord Gustavsen Trio · San Francisco Jazz

Past events

Nov 15, 2024

Tord Gustavsen Trio · Cadogan Hall

Mar 20, 2024

Tord Gustavsen Trio · Williams Center for the Arts

About

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