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“The Nordic master of
less-is-more piano … In various combinations, the players conjure a spare
beauty from lullabies, hymns and ballads. It’s a distinct shift in the
Gustavsen soundworld, but he’s still creating slow music that smoulders
brightly.” (John Bungey, Times Online, UK - 4 of 5 stars)
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”Really interesting music;
the pieces are good, the improvisation is strong. … Energy and purpose.”
(John Fordham, BBC Radio 3 review)
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”… a darker, denser quartet sound, with the excellent post-Garbarek
saxophonist Tore Brunborg added to piano, bass and drums (the superb Jarle
Vespestad once again). But the big surprise for trio fans will be the Macy
Gray-sounding vocalist Kristin Asbjornsen” (Phil Johnson, The Independent,
UK)
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"This collection only
bolsters the man's already admirable jazz credentials" (Lara Bellini, BBC
Music - read the
entire
review)
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"There is a tremendous
emotional depth to this music, which is at the same time subtly grooving.
... music of notable charm and lasting effect." (Ian Patterson, All About
Jazz - read the
entire review)
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"Gustavsen’s compositions
are consistently intriguing .. Truly eloquent music, Restored
represents a refreshing departure from an already important jazz talent."
(Joe Bendel, The Epoch Times - read the
entire review)
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"The music .. has the
pared-down simplicity and the pull of opposites that mark Gustavsen's work
-- the sense of transience and celebration, joy and sadness, intellect and
emotion. This tension gives the gorgeous little pieces here a freshness and
depth behind their melodic grace. ... In a quintet so alert to the
demands of the music, it’s striking how Gustavsen has drawn on and responded
to their personal qualities and blended them into a unified whole." (Ray Komiskey, Irish Times - 5 of
5 stars and CD of the week - read the
entire review)
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"Gustavsen has embarked on
another intriguing musical odyssey that will be fascinating to follow."
(Stuart Nicholson, Jazzwise)
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“… meditative but subtly
gospel-tinged music. Kristin Asbjørnsen's voice is always arresting, whether
on free improv, floating lullabies or incantations of WH Auden poems. For
those who felt Gustavsen's work was a bit pallid, here's the remedy.” (John
Fordham, The Guardian, UK 4 of 5 stars)
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"Refined, mature,
different, compelling, emotional, and groovy." (LuminoMagazine - read the
entire review)
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“Kristin Asbjornsen sings a
few gorgeous songs Tord has written as settings of WH Auden’s poetry. And
what a singer! No cool, folksy Scandinavian sound here, but a husky,
intimate voice full with a fine sandpaper edge that brings out the
gospel/blues strain that has always been there in Gustavsen’s melodic and
harmonic content. … The whole band shines and when Asbjornsen rises to a
really gritty high in the final verse, after a perfect solo from Brunborg,
the hairs on the back of the neck prickle like mad.” (Peter Bacon, The
Jazz Breakfast, UK)
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"Gustavsen continues to be a marvel of
economical invention, a player who speaks little but says much. .. With more
colors at his disposal, .. Gustavsen has shaped an album even more appealing
in its subtle but unmistakeble experimentation." (John Kelman, All About
Jazz - read the
entire review)
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".. delicate beauty and vibrant muscularity ..
an album that engages the heart and feet as much as the head. .. Tord
Gustavsen has proven again he is one of the new generation of European
musicians to really listen out for." (Elsewhere, New Zealand - read
the
entire review)
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"This combination of sensitive, contemplative
playing and mysterious poetry is a quiet but powerful antidote for those
sick of the same old sounds in the jazz world. .. Gustavsen's classical/blues
piano work on "Your Crooked Heart" is a model of economical lyricism
expressing longing." (Brad Walseth, JazzChicago - read the
entire review)
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"Memorable melodies and excellent musicianship"
(Sea of Tranquility - read the
entire review)
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"Asbjørnsen’s voice fits perfectly between
Brunborg’s sax and Gustavsen’s keys .. Gustavsen himself is never dominating
as a player but is always in control. .. The rhythm section of drummer Jarle
Vespestad and bassist Mats Eilertsen are appropriately restrained and
maintain the gentle, lithe spirit that Gustavsen’s music demands. The group
arrangements are spacious, and the improvisations consistently impressive.
The album closes with “Left Over Lullaby No. 3,” leaving this listener
restored and eager to return." (Mitch Myers, Jazz Times - read the
entire review)
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"... delicate interpretation of poems drawn
from W.H. Auden’s "Another Time". There’s something menacing about the
interplay between sax, piano, and rhythm section on “The Swirl/Wrapped in a
Yielding Air,” a slow burn whose magnificence builds relentlessly, carried
forward by Asbjørnsen’s bantering, weary modulation somewhere between funk
and airy coloratura." (Michael Stone, RootsWorld - read the
entire review)
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".. another bewitching CD. .. delightful
silences and slowly baked vibes" (The Ledger.com / Lakeland)