Drummer

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.

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Tord Gustavsen Trio

SFJAZZ Center

A genre-crossing collaboration between three powerhouses of the Norwegian music scene. Maarud, Raknes and Vespestad form a truly unique trio where blues, rock, jazz and the joy of playing come together.

Maarud, Raknes, Vespestad

DGI Huset

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.

Cadogan Hall 

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.”

Drummer

Jarle Vespestad

Events

Past events

20 - 21 Mar, 2026

Tord Gustavsen Trio · San Francisco Jazz

Jan 16, 2026

Maarud, Raknes, Vespestad · Hadeland Jazzforum

About

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