Tord Gustavsen Piano, Simin Tander Vocal, Jarle Vespestad Drums
(Review by Steve H)
Well this is Nordic jazz with a twist. Gustavsen teams up with long-time
collaborator drummer Jarl Vespestad and Afghan-German vocalist Simin
Tander. The core of this album is traditional Norwegian hymns but
translated into Pashto. The process of which, according to Gustavsen, has given
the music a far more multi faith and spiritual feel than the originals which to
him are his ‘standards’.
An English version of Beat poet Kenneth Rexroth’s I Refuse is quite
stirring. There are also English versions of the verse of Sufi mystic Jalal
al_Din Rumi. As a third strand to this album there are several instrumental
only pieces which have a far more familiar jazz feel to them.
This music is as far away from the jazz that evolved out of New Orleans
as the Mississippi Delta is to the Norwegian fjords.
The combination of Tander’s haunting vocals juxtaposed with Gustavsen’s
delicate piano and Vespestad sympathetic drums make this a gentle, and
contemplative experience. Whatever your personal faith happens to be
either spiritually or musically there is enough on offer to make this a
thoroughly worthwhile listen.
As Rumi wrote in the Middle Ages ‘This love we feel pours through us
like a giveaway song. The source of now is here.’
Steve
Tord Gustavsen - What was said. is currently available on ECM 475 8697.
4 comments :
Erm, not sure if it should be 'Tinder's haunting vocals'. Doubtless appening.
? Elaborate please!
...the singer's name is spelt in three different ways.
Ah! I think we've nailed it this time - difficult finding staff who speak Norwegian! Appreciate your observation Mr ?
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