Tord Gustavsen has released a trilogy of trio albums that proved both a popular and a critical success (cf. The Critics). The trio has toured extensively world-wide, crystallizing its musical approach and developing new compositions. It's still very melodic and romantic music. It still displays a striking, spacious 'Nordic-Caribbean-gospel-bluesy' fresh feel while presenting Tord Gustavsen's original compositions. But the trio employs more dynamics and explores some new musical fields in its interaction on the last recording. The musicians are just as un-compromising in their search for beauty as they are in their search for a creative approach with fresh phrasing and imaginative playing.

Starting 2008, Tord Gustavsen works with a somewhat more flexible line-up - in duo, trio, quartet and quintet settings. He presented a commissioned work for the Vossajazz Festivel in Norway March 2008 that became the starting point for his new Tord Gustavsen Ensemble, featuring Tore Brunborg on saxophones, Mats Eilertsen on bass and Jarle Vespestad on drums. For the full version of the commissioned work, the ensemble also includes Kristin Asbjørnsen on sung vocals and Cecilie Jørstad on spoken words / poetry.

A re-worked and transformed vesion of the music from this work is released on "Restored, Returned" -- available in the UK and Norway October 2009, and in the rest of the world spring 2010.

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