The Well ECM***

Sombre Norwegian pianistord Gustavsen has become a sort of thinking man's Esbjörn Svensson, more restrained perhaps, but sharing with the late, lamented Swede a knack for hummable melodies and an ability to connect with a younger, non-jazz audience. Gustavsen has augmented his much-lauded trio with saxophonist Tore Brunborg, so comparisons with Keith Jarrett's celebrated European quartet featuring Jan Garbarek are inevitable. But while there is a superficial similarity in the sound, The Wellis more mannered than the source it draws from. Where Jarrett co were flinging themselves into the air and letting the notes fall where they may, Gustavsen's quartet are more careful, almost self-conscious. It's quite beautiful in its way – dark, sepulchral lullabies on a bed of gospel-tinged funk, played without flaw – but it lacks the abandon and sense of adventure of the music it so obviously reveres. tordgustavsen.com