Tord Gustavsen/Stanko/EST
Posted by: Diccus62 on 23 November 2009
Nic Naim and my own will have helped to move me out of my musical comfort zone. I have long thought Jazz held something for me. I have tried many of the old jazz guys and think they are fine but it doesn't really get me. However I really enjoyed Tomasz Stanko and I think I am now hooked. E.S.T. however have hit me between the eyes and I can't stop playing them.... particularly 'behind the yashmak' which absolutely blows me away. Live - OMG
Have been listening to Tord Gustavsen on Myspace and I like what i hear. I have tho clearly missed the tour this autumn. Where should I start with this guy?
It's nice to be out of my comfort zone - thanks Nic
Have been listening to Tord Gustavsen on Myspace and I like what i hear. I have tho clearly missed the tour this autumn. Where should I start with this guy?
It's nice to be out of my comfort zone - thanks Nic

Posted on: 23 November 2009 by Ian G.
quote:Originally posted by Diccus62:
Have been listening to Tord Gustavsen on Myspace and I like what i hear. I have tho clearly missed the tour this autumn. Where should I start with this guy?
I have bad news for you - you need to buy all 4 Gustavsen albums. No point in pretending otherwise.

He seems to tour here often (I've seen him 3 times now) so catch him next time, his band is getting tighter and tighter and he is relaxing more as a performer and getting better.
Ian
Posted on: 23 November 2009 by Christopher_M
I have all four, and have only listened to the latest one once. So far I prefer the first two, Changing Places and The Ground, possibly because they seem more spare.
Best, Chris
Best, Chris
Posted on: 23 November 2009 by droodzilla
I'd start with the second or third Tord CDs. I really like the new one but it is a departure from the sound of their earlier work - albeit, in my opinion, a necessary one to prevent things getting too cosy and predictable.
Stanko - both Suspended Night and Lontano are superb. Haven't played the new one yet, but the new quintet were great live a couple of weeks ago.
Cheers
Nigel
Stanko - both Suspended Night and Lontano are superb. Haven't played the new one yet, but the new quintet were great live a couple of weeks ago.
Cheers
Nigel
Posted on: 23 November 2009 by nicnaim
Diccus,
Have you had a chance to listen to the other discs yet? I would be interested to hear how they grab you?
Regards
Nic
Have you had a chance to listen to the other discs yet? I would be interested to hear how they grab you?
Regards
Nic
Posted on: 23 November 2009 by Lontano
Diccus - glad to see you have found these rather fine artists. This is the music that for many years has given me so much pleasure and if you like this stuff there is so much other good stuff out there to discover. European jazz is where the excitement is for me and you have started with three of the finest. Do try and see Garbarek if you can.
My favourite Tord CD is The Ground but as others have said you will end up with all of them.
Cheers
Adrian
My favourite Tord CD is The Ground but as others have said you will end up with all of them.
Cheers
Adrian
Posted on: 23 November 2009 by Lontano
quote:Originally posted by droodzilla:
Stanko - both Suspended Night and Lontano are superb.
As are Soul of Things and Dark Eyes.
Posted on: 23 November 2009 by ewemon
Re European jazz discs follow Adrians advice as he is the one who turned me on to Stanko, EST and Tord. He generally knows what he is talking about.
Posted on: 23 November 2009 by droodzilla
quote:Originally posted by Lontano:quote:Originally posted by droodzilla:
Stanko - both Suspended Night and Lontano are superb.
As are Soul of Things and Dark Eyes.
And Leosia, and Litania...

Posted on: 23 November 2009 by droodzilla
I might as well put in a word for this, while we're on the subject of European jazz:
Benedikt Jahnel Trio - Modular Concepts
Very accessible but wonderful piano trio music, clearly influenced by the minimalism of Steve Reich & co.
I'm sure Adrian would second this recommendation

Benedikt Jahnel Trio - Modular Concepts
Very accessible but wonderful piano trio music, clearly influenced by the minimalism of Steve Reich & co.
I'm sure Adrian would second this recommendation

Posted on: 24 November 2009 by Lontano
quote:Originally posted by droodzilla:
I'm sure Adrian would second this recommendation![]()
Absolutely - a superb album and in my top albums of the year, as is this one,

Posted on: 24 November 2009 by Lontano
A few others to check out







Posted on: 24 November 2009 by Diccus62
Thank you guys that lot will keep me from spending money on the kids at Xmas. No, I welcome a move in the right direction thanks. Nic keeps trying to get me to see Garbarek and so far have resisted. I have a record to listen to so will start there.
Nic, keep playing the est album in the car so haven't moved on to the others yet. Will put Garbarek on tomorrow and see how I get on.
Out of interest I have 'Dark eyes' Stanko. Also bought est 'live in Hamburg'. As my wife can't bide jazz -she calls Marcin Wasilewski - Richard Clayderman I have given up hope. What with the noise of the children, the cdp in the car is the safest bet to listen in peace.
Thanks again chaps i'm sure i'll refer back to this thread often.
Nic, keep playing the est album in the car so haven't moved on to the others yet. Will put Garbarek on tomorrow and see how I get on.
Out of interest I have 'Dark eyes' Stanko. Also bought est 'live in Hamburg'. As my wife can't bide jazz -she calls Marcin Wasilewski - Richard Clayderman I have given up hope. What with the noise of the children, the cdp in the car is the safest bet to listen in peace.
Thanks again chaps i'm sure i'll refer back to this thread often.
Posted on: 24 November 2009 by fama

Leosia T.Stanko

Posted on: 24 November 2009 by Diccus62
Listened to numerous bits of Garbarek albums on Spotify and it's just not for me, doesn't hit any of my buttons................. well I cant like everything 

Posted on: 24 November 2009 by Lontano
70's albums well worth checking out - Keith Jarrett's European Quartet - has Garbarek on it - very melodic stuff.


Posted on: 24 November 2009 by Diccus62
Trying My Song on Spotify
Posted on: 24 November 2009 by Lontano
Have you tried Andy Sheppard - very melodic - this album take a few minutes to get going but then is very nice.

Posted on: 24 November 2009 by Ian G.
I'd second both of those Jarrett ensemble recommendations above and add this one that is very melodic and easy to get into.

Posted on: 24 November 2009 by Lontano
And this is a cracker from the Italian - Enrico Rava. Beautiful trumpet tone.

Posted on: 24 November 2009 by droodzilla
OK, another couple of suggestions. First, one of my favourite ECMs:
John Taylor is one of the finest musicians this country has produced in recent years, and this ECM CD is a very sympathetic setting for his brand of piano magic.
Secondly, another John Taylor CD, featuring a different rhythm section:
Have you had enough yet?!

John Taylor is one of the finest musicians this country has produced in recent years, and this ECM CD is a very sympathetic setting for his brand of piano magic.
Secondly, another John Taylor CD, featuring a different rhythm section:

Have you had enough yet?!
Posted on: 24 November 2009 by Diccus62
quote:Originally posted by Ian G.:
I'd second both of those Jarrett ensemble recommendations above and add this one that is very melodic and easy to get into.
![]()
Listened to some of this one and it wasn't for me

Posted on: 24 November 2009 by Ian G.
quote:Originally posted by Diccus62:
Listened to some of this one and it wasn't for me![]()
Oops !

Posted on: 24 November 2009 by Nick Lees
Hi Diccus,
You might find a link between the way Esbjörn Svensson played piano and some of Chick Corea's work.
Spotify have his Children's Songs (though they're not really). They're all lovely but if you try just one....go for number 4... or number 6...or...
You might find a link between the way Esbjörn Svensson played piano and some of Chick Corea's work.
Spotify have his Children's Songs (though they're not really). They're all lovely but if you try just one....go for number 4... or number 6...or...
Posted on: 24 November 2009 by bdnyc
Greetings jazz fans,
I am a big fan of piano jazz, and have not yet delved into the EST catalog. Where would you start? I am a big fan of Tord Gustavsen's work, and prefer the more meditative players who use space creatively in their playing or composing, or both.
Thanks,
Bruce
I am a big fan of piano jazz, and have not yet delved into the EST catalog. Where would you start? I am a big fan of Tord Gustavsen's work, and prefer the more meditative players who use space creatively in their playing or composing, or both.
Thanks,
Bruce
Posted on: 25 November 2009 by Lontano
quote:Originally posted by bdnyc:
Greetings jazz fans,
I am a big fan of piano jazz, and have not yet delved into the EST catalog. Where would you start?
Thanks,
Bruce
Try the two albums I have posted above.