Jarle Vespestad (born 16 April 1966 in Kirkenes, Norway) is a Norwegian drummer and composer who has been one of the most sought-after percussionists on the European jazz scene for over three decades. He trained at Toneheim Folk High School and the jazz programme at Trondheim Musikkonservatorium, going on to become a driving force behind bands including Veslefrekk, Farmers Market and the Maria Kannegaard Trio. He gained international recognition as the longtime drummer of the Tord Gustavsen Trio, with whom he has recorded ten albums for ECM Records, most recently Seeing (2024). Beyond Gustavsen, he has been a core member of the avant-garde collective Supersilent and the Balkan-jazz ensemble Farmers Market.
The Tord Gustavsen Trio performs on November 19, 2025 at De Oosterpoort in Groningen, with Vespestad on drums.
Vespestad performed at the Kongsberg Jazz Festival 2025 in Christians Kjeller, Kongsberg.
The Tord Gustavsen Trio released Seeing on ECM Records, with Vespestad on drums and Steinar Raknes on double bass.
The Tord Gustavsen Trio toured through Europe in autumn 2024 and winter 2024/25 to promote Seeing, with concerts in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, among others.
