The Tord Gustavsen Ensemble's 2009 album "Restored, Returned" offers a contemplative and spacious exploration of themes of faith and homecoming, performed with characteristic restraint. It is the ensemble's third release on ECM Records.
- The album was recorded at Rainbow Studio in Oslo, Norway. It features the core trio of Gustavsen on piano, Steinar Raknes on double bass, and Jarle Vespestad on drums, augmented by Tore Brunborg on saxophone. The liner notes describe the music as reflecting a "restoration" of faith and a "return" to a simpler, more grounded form of expression.
- The album reached number 8 on the Norwegian album charts. It was praised for its serene atmosphere and emotional depth.
- Gustavsen's compositions on this album are often built from simple melodic fragments that gradually unfold and develop. The ensemble's interplay is subtle, with each musician carefully listening and responding to the others.
Tord Gustavsen is a Norwegian jazz pianist and composer, known for his minimalist and lyrical style. The Tord Gustavsen Ensemble continued this aesthetic with a slightly expanded lineup on this release.
Tracklist
