Change Can Be Disconcerting
Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 04/04/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Since it has been several years since Tord Gustavsen has released an album, the arrival of Restored, Returned was eagerly anticipated. I pre-ordered it when the listing appeared here on amazon and didn't give it another thought until it arrived and I played it for the first time. What a difference from past releases! And as with almost anything when there is a drastic change, there will be some fan backlash and so it seems to be with this.
While it took a while to adjust my ears to the new sound, I like not only the minimalist nature of the music but also Kristin Asbjornsen's gritty, besotted and oddly appealing vocals. Additionally, I find that introduction of the saxophone to the music adds texture and a layer of darkness that was missing before.
Here are my favorites: the mournful, almost religious quality of Lay Your Sleeping Head, My Love; the noirish interplay of sax and piano on Spiral Song; the mesmerizing title cut with its strange sudden ending, the sax-laden The Swirl/Wrapped In A Yielding Air, and a wonderfully dark offering of The Gaze. Those who were/are fans of the late, lamented Esbjorn Svensson Trio will find much to like here.
Perhaps you are not going to like Restored, Returned if your tastes are firmly planted in the realm of instrumental jazz. But if you are willing to open yourself to the possibilities Gustavsen probes here, you may find that the changes once so disconcerting are a pleasure after all. The CD is packaged in a standard jewel box and comes with a cardboard slip case and an attractive booklet that contains basic album information, a few pictures, and lyrics."
Not on par with other Tord Gustavsen albums
Mike Hunt | 07/23/2010
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Quick review: if you are new to Tord Gustavsen please check out The Ground or Being There (Ocrd) which really showcase their style. I gave Restored, Returned three stars rather than two because there is always a chance that the album may grow on me. Buy at your own risk, I think most people will agree it is not their favorite album out of the 4 available. However, this album may appeal to you so listen to the short, free snippets first."
Tord Gustavsen's latest album
Cuneyt A. Tas | Istanbul, TR | 04/26/2010
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Apaprently, Tord Gustavsen is experiencing that awful dip in terms of his composing and melody-creating abilities, after those so successful three albums. "Restored, returned" would hopefully be his worst."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1