To avail unashamedly of one of the metaphors routinely heaped on Nordic jazz, there are sure signs that cool Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen is beginning to thaw. For the past decade, his trio with bassist Mats Eilertsen and drummer Jarle Vespestad has drawn praise and audiences to their sombre, almost hymnal music. The addition of Tore Brunborg's saxophone on their last two outings has warmed things up, bringing a gospel tinge out in the leader and recalling ever more clearly the great Jarrett-Garbarek quartet, whose living ghosts haunt the Oslo studio where this was recorded with ECM's customary meticulousness. ( Extended Circle is Gustavsen's sixth album for the label.) There is still that cool austerity which the trio's dark-browed listeners value, but spring can't be far away. tordgustavsen.com