TORD GUSTAVSEN — Tord Gustavsen Ensemble : Restored, Returned (review)

TORD GUSTAVSEN — Tord Gustavsen Ensemble : Restored, Returned album cover Album · 2010 · Post-Fusion Contemporary Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
idlero
After three successful and critically acclaimed trio albums Tord Gustavsen decided to expand the format by adding Tore Brunborg on sax and, probably the most significant change,Kristin Asbjørnsen on vocals while Mats Eilersten on bass replaces Harald Johnsen. Although very well received by the critics, it seems the fans were less enthusiastic about Kristin Asbjørnsen's performance on vocals. I'm not sure how much this fan reaction made an impact on the artist but fact is that for the next albun-'The Well' just released in 2012, Tord Gustavsen kept Tore Brunborg on sax but gave up the vocals, maybe he will use them again in future albums. Does good poetry ('Restored, Returned' is inspired by the work of WH Auden) make good jazz ? Some will approve, others will disaprove, after all 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder' as they say.Personally I haven't met yet a jazz album built on good poetry to knock me down but poetry is not exactly what I'm looking for, even in a vocal album. The sound in this album is more jazzy and bluesy with less classical influences and with some Middle Eastern harmonies present in two tracks. Tore Brunborg's sax which reminds me of Jan Garbarek brings a pleasant new dimension to the music. The vocals are a different story. It took me some time to get used to them-in some tracks they come very unexpectedly, even after several listenings when KA starts singing I am surprised(and not always in a pleasant way), I can understand why not everyone loved Kristin Asbjørnsen's husky voice and rather melodramatical style , she plays in seven tracks but some of the tracks the vocals are wordless. Undoubtely the instrumental parts and tracks are the strong side of the album. 'The Gate' and 'The Swirl / Wrapped in Yielding Air' are my favourite tracks. A good album which might need several listening to get into it, but if you're expecting another down-tempo with classical influences instrumental album like TG's previous three albums, then this album is probably not for you. No doubt Tord Gustavsen's most eclectic album to date(release date) and a much needed change after three great instrumental albums which sound more or less alike.
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