The Ground

 ( Ecm Records Albums ) 

The AllMusic review by Michael G. Nastos awarded the album 3½ stars, stating, "Gustavsen, while playing laid-back, pristine, pretty, and serene music, is far from challenging convention or pushing the envelope. Conversely, his personal voice is fully realized. Time will tell whether this style finds a worldwide audience, moves away from this type of contemporary texture music, or takes the approach he has established to any more extreme measures, even softer or more forceful."

1. "Tears Transforming" (5:38)
2. "Being There" (4:17)
3. "Twins" (4:57)
4. "Curtains Aside" (5:15)
5. "Colours of Mercy" (6:09)
6. "Sentiment" (5:35)
7. "Kneeling Down" (5:48)
8. "Reach Out and Touch It" (5:48)
9. "Edges of Happiness" (3:07)
10. "Interlude" (2:03)
11. "Token of Tango" (4:12)
12. "The Ground" (7:16)

• Tord Gustavsen – piano
• Harald Johnsen – double bass
• Jarle Vespestad – drum kit

• All compositions by Tord Gustavsen
• Cover design by Sascha Kleis
• Engineered by Jan Erik Kongshaug
• Liner photos by Chris Tribble
• Produced by Manfred Eicher