Tord Gustavsen Trio | Jazz at the Athenaeum

Jazz returns to the Athenaeum for our annual series of winter concerts in the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Music Room (at 1008 Wall Street in La Jolla). This series features both Athenaeum favorites and debuts by internationally-acclaimed artists. Seating is limited so order soon!

The series continues on Sunday, February 19, with a long-awaited return of the Tord Gustavsen Trio from Norway, featuring Gustavsen on piano, Steinar Raknes on bass, and Jarle Vespestad on drums. Gustavsen made unforgettable prior appearances at the Athenaeum in 2008 and 2014, as well as a crystalline holiday program in 2010 with vocalist Solveig Slettahjell. A leading artist on the ECM Records label since the early 2000’s, Gustavsen’s musical vision draws together influences from Scandinavian folk music, gospel, Caribbean music, and cool jazz alike, presenting a unique universe of lyricism and subtle funkiness. His way of melding jazz history with ‘Nordic’ reflective moods and lyrical beauty has created a unique voice on today’s music scene.

BBC Jazz commented, “Gustavsen's music is intuitive and heartfelt… truly beautiful.” Stereophile wrote, “The qualities in Gustavsen's music of affection and respect—for each note, interval, rolling modulation, silence, and fellow player—are perhaps as high as I have heard in improvised music. The emphasis is not on how many notes can be played, or how virtuosically, but on how much music can be made with as few notes as possible.” DownBeat wrote, “The collective aesthetic of the ensemble is quietly spellbinding. To Gustavsen, each note seems to hold sacred power.”

The concerts will be in person at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. There are no physical tickets for these events. Your name will be on an attendee list at the front door. Doors open at 7 p.m. Seating is first-come; first-served. These events will be presented in compliance with State of California and County of San Diego health regulations as applicable at the time of each concert.

Masks optional. If you have a fever, cough, or flu-like symptoms, please stay home.

Host or Publisher Athenaeum Music & Arts Library