R.I.P. Esbjorn Svensson

I've just learned, via Andy from Ropeadope, that the Swedish jazz pianist Esbjorn Svensson died yesterday in a scuba diving accident at the age of 44. The Esbjorn Svensson Trio (usually just called EST) was an amazing group that, unfortunately, never seemed to break into the jazz mainstream in the States, despite the fact that countless American jazz artists have been influenced by not only their music, but their concept of a "band sound" in modern jazz, a genre dominated by freelancing individuals. In fact, in their native Sweden, EST enjoyed the type of commercial success as artistic musicians that we in the States reserve for vacuous pop music. To say that EST was one of the best-kept secrets in jazz piano would be a bit of an understatement. Perhaps they, like many pioneers, were simply too far ahead of their time.

One can hear the influence of Svensson's powerful, melody-driven style everywhere. Brad Mehldau comes to mind immediately, and, especially, the Bad Plus. I always tell people who like the Bad Plus that they need to check out Esbjorn Svensson, because that's where their sound comes from. Fittingly, Ethan Iverson (pianist for the Bad Plus) shares some insight on EST in his blog, and hints at the obvious and significant influence that Svensson had on his own approach to music. Svensson will be missed.

The Esbjorn Svensson Trio performing their tune "Serenade for the Renegade"


Also, "When God Created the Coffee Break"