I am gobsmacked - Esbjorn Svensson
Posted by: Lontano on 16 June 2008
One of the greatest talents in the jazz world. If you have seen him live you will know what I mean. So, so sad indeed.....I find this one hard to believe.
STOCKHOLM (AFP) -- Swedish jazz star Esbjorn Svensson was killed at the weekend in a scuba diving accident off Stockholm, his manager said Monday. He was 44.
According to Swedish media reports, Svensson had been diving with a group and an instructor in the Stockholm archipelago when he suddenly disappeared.
The married father of two had been found badly injured on the sea bed and had been transported by helicopter to a Stockholm hospital, where he died shortly before midnight (2200 GMT) on Saturday.
Swedish police are investigating the accident.
Svensson, a genre-defying musician who reached audiences far beyond the traditional jazz crowd, was “the most important figure in jazz in this decade," said Burkhard Hopper, manager of the Esbjorn Svensson Trio (E.S.T.).
“By all standards he was one of the biggest European acts. He was a jazz musician with pop status," Hopper told AFP, comparing his influence to that of Miles Davis.
E.S.T., formed in 1993 by pianist and composer Svensson, drummer Magnus Oestroem and base player Dan Berglund, have released a dozen records that have enjoyed critical acclaim and commercial success in Europe and the United States.
STOCKHOLM (AFP) -- Swedish jazz star Esbjorn Svensson was killed at the weekend in a scuba diving accident off Stockholm, his manager said Monday. He was 44.
According to Swedish media reports, Svensson had been diving with a group and an instructor in the Stockholm archipelago when he suddenly disappeared.
The married father of two had been found badly injured on the sea bed and had been transported by helicopter to a Stockholm hospital, where he died shortly before midnight (2200 GMT) on Saturday.
Swedish police are investigating the accident.
Svensson, a genre-defying musician who reached audiences far beyond the traditional jazz crowd, was “the most important figure in jazz in this decade," said Burkhard Hopper, manager of the Esbjorn Svensson Trio (E.S.T.).
“By all standards he was one of the biggest European acts. He was a jazz musician with pop status," Hopper told AFP, comparing his influence to that of Miles Davis.
E.S.T., formed in 1993 by pianist and composer Svensson, drummer Magnus Oestroem and base player Dan Berglund, have released a dozen records that have enjoyed critical acclaim and commercial success in Europe and the United States.
Posted on: 16 June 2008 by Lontano
From the ACT website
Swedish pianist and composer Esbjörn Svensson died in a diving accident on Saturday June 14, 2008 at age 44. Our thoughts are in sympathy with his mourning wife and children and his long time musical associates Dan Berglund and Magnus Öström.
Esbjörn Svensson was one of the most influential jazz artists in recent history and with his band e.s.t. considered the most successful European jazz group and beyond.
e.s.t. became famous for their innovative mix of jazz with contemporary rock as well as classical music elements driving young and adult audiences into their concerts all over the world. Their albums regularly entered the jazz and the pop charts achieving numerous awards.
Esbjörn Svensson was born on April 16, 1964 in Västeras, Sweden. His mother played classical piano, his father loved Ellington, and Svensson listened to the latest pop hits on the radio. In high school, Esbjörn played in his first bands, along with taking piano lessons for three years. There followed four years of musical studies at the University in Stockholm where Svensson developed the necessary technical craft to fully articulate his intuitive self-taught concepts. Thus, Svensson's carefree, youthful musical exuberance could mature into a creative self-awareness.
In 1993 Svensson founded e.s.t. together with his childhood friend Magnus Öström on drums and bassist Dan Berglund and further on concentrated completely on the work with this trio.
They just finished the work on their 12th and now final album "LEUCOCYTE"
We are mourning for a great artist, a wonderful person and a good friend.
Siggi Loch and the ACT family
Swedish pianist and composer Esbjörn Svensson died in a diving accident on Saturday June 14, 2008 at age 44. Our thoughts are in sympathy with his mourning wife and children and his long time musical associates Dan Berglund and Magnus Öström.
Esbjörn Svensson was one of the most influential jazz artists in recent history and with his band e.s.t. considered the most successful European jazz group and beyond.
e.s.t. became famous for their innovative mix of jazz with contemporary rock as well as classical music elements driving young and adult audiences into their concerts all over the world. Their albums regularly entered the jazz and the pop charts achieving numerous awards.
Esbjörn Svensson was born on April 16, 1964 in Västeras, Sweden. His mother played classical piano, his father loved Ellington, and Svensson listened to the latest pop hits on the radio. In high school, Esbjörn played in his first bands, along with taking piano lessons for three years. There followed four years of musical studies at the University in Stockholm where Svensson developed the necessary technical craft to fully articulate his intuitive self-taught concepts. Thus, Svensson's carefree, youthful musical exuberance could mature into a creative self-awareness.
In 1993 Svensson founded e.s.t. together with his childhood friend Magnus Öström on drums and bassist Dan Berglund and further on concentrated completely on the work with this trio.
They just finished the work on their 12th and now final album "LEUCOCYTE"
We are mourning for a great artist, a wonderful person and a good friend.
Siggi Loch and the ACT family
Posted on: 16 June 2008 by BigH47
That is tragic.I can't believe the number of people killed scuba diving. Perhaps my misses should take up another hobby.
I don't know his music but see he has a lot of listeners on this forum. He is on my list of "must try" artists.
RIP Esbjorn.
I don't know his music but see he has a lot of listeners on this forum. He is on my list of "must try" artists.
RIP Esbjorn.
Posted on: 16 June 2008 by Lontano
quote:Originally posted by BigH47:
I don't know his music but see he has a lot of listeners on this forum. He is on my list of "must try" artists.
RIP Esbjorn.
There are a lot of good albums that he has done. Adventurous, challenging, thought provoking jazz and live in concert it was a fabulous experience. This guy was responsible for bringing jazz to a new audience by making just great, but slightly different and cool music. I saw him three times live and each time came away mesmerised.
Posted on: 16 June 2008 by BigH47
I have reserved the 4 albums my local library has. So I'll see what he was all about.
Posted on: 16 June 2008 by ewemon
Haven't picked up any of his discs but from what I have heard he was once serious talent. Such a tragic waste.
Posted on: 16 June 2008 by Ian G.
I saw him last year at the Usher Hall here in Edinburgh. Great show. Was hoping to catch him again as he was due to come to the Jazz festival this year. He is a sad loss to the European Jazz scene.
Ian
Ian
Posted on: 16 June 2008 by droodzilla
I was shocked to read this news on the "What are you listening to now..." thread - a huge loss, and very hard to believe. Great memories of a storming live performance in Southampton a few years ago...
Posted on: 16 June 2008 by Huwge
Speechless - the memories of some wonderful concerts and the sad knowledge that they are not to be repeated.
My thoughts go out to the rest of the band and his family. Unbelievable.
My thoughts go out to the rest of the band and his family. Unbelievable.
Posted on: 16 June 2008 by hungryhalibut
Very sad news indeed. Seven Days of Falling is playing now, and it really is fantastic music.
Nigel
Nigel
Posted on: 16 June 2008 by nicnaim
Tuesday Wonderland on here. Far too young an age to die, very sad.
Nic
Nic
Posted on: 16 June 2008 by Lontano
A good link on allaboutjazz. The bottom video with Nils Landgren singing, Pat Metheny and orchestra with the band is wonderful and touching.
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=19464
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=19464
Posted on: 16 June 2008 by Ricky Dasler
E.S.T performed at the 2005 Wellington jazz festival here in New Zealand. They were amazing. The crowd just wouldn't let them off the stage, so the only way they could end the encores was for Esbjorn to promise they'd return to our shores for a later tour. Alas, this will never be.
They were only in N.Z a total of 18 hours after flying over from Oz the afternoon of the concert, then returning the next morning to carry on their Australian tour. Truly one of the great jazz bands to emerge in recent times.
They were only in N.Z a total of 18 hours after flying over from Oz the afternoon of the concert, then returning the next morning to carry on their Australian tour. Truly one of the great jazz bands to emerge in recent times.
Posted on: 16 June 2008 by Lontano
Posted on: 16 June 2008 by smiglass
This is just a tragedy! I am deeply saddened by the loss of Svensson. I had become such a fan and was looking forward to seeing them in person. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends.
Anthony
Anthony
Posted on: 17 June 2008 by Gunnar Jansson
He was a great composer and musician. So sad indeed.
Swedish radio P2 is broadcasting a concert with E.S.T. in memoriam this evening. It´s from 2007, "Jazz rythm fest", their last concert in Sweden.
You should be able to hear it through Webbradio. The broadcast is P2 Live Jazz.
It´s on 1930 swedish local time so it must be 1830 GMT.
http://www.sr.se/p2/
Use P2 direkt
Swedish radio P2 is broadcasting a concert with E.S.T. in memoriam this evening. It´s from 2007, "Jazz rythm fest", their last concert in Sweden.
You should be able to hear it through Webbradio. The broadcast is P2 Live Jazz.
It´s on 1930 swedish local time so it must be 1830 GMT.
http://www.sr.se/p2/
Use P2 direkt
Posted on: 20 June 2008 by u5227470736789524
E.S.T. live here:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88608967
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88608967
Posted on: 30 June 2008 by Lontano
Some words from some of the greats
John Scofield: 'I'm going out on stage in Vancouver tonight on what would have been a co-bill with EST and I know I won’t be able to say what I really feel. I don’t talk to audiences well in a personal way. I hope that everyone can understand that. My playing is my truest communication and nothing I can say will express how sorry I am that life can be unfair and inexplicable. If I could publicly say it in words, I'd say that I wish the reality of this situation wasn’t the truth. I wish that Esbjörn Svensson was here tonight. The day before his accident, Susan and I were talking about my Canadian gigs and we said that we thought that EST was an excellent co-bill with my trio. . . really a great pairing musically. I was so looking forward to hearing them tonight in Vancouver. Instead, I'm going to stand on the stage and tell the audience that It's only my group tonight. I wish that wasn't true.
I write here as a father and a husband and a musician - I am so very sorry that this injustice has been delivered. I lost one of my closest friends- Dennis Irwin- a few months ago and this kind of loss is fresh in my day to day. hope that the rest of us get the opportunity to live long and full lives. I was looking forward to the chance to maybe build something with Esbjörn - but all I can do now is remember and appreciate who he was and what he did.
Susan and I send our love and sorrow to his family and friends and bandmates and manager. We are very sad. Esbjörn leaves a musical legacy that we can all hold on to but I wish it wasn't like this.'
Arild Andersen: 'I was very shocked and sad hearing of the sudden death of Esbjörn.
He was such a great player. My condolence goes to his family and my thoughts also goes to Magnus Ostrom and Dan Berglund who contributed so much to the trio.'
Charlie Haden: 'It is with great sadness that we learned of Esbjorn's sudden and untimely death. He was a friend to my son, Josh, and a superb addition to the music world who will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his family and that they may gain strength and peace knowing that Esbjorn was loved and respected by many around the world.'
Pat Martino: 'The countless seeds planted by Esbjörn, not only as a musician, but also as a person have come to fruition as important parts within the evolution of our art. Along with many others, I too offer my condolence.'
Avishai Cohen Trio: 'It is with great sadness and loss to hear of this tragedy of Mr Esbjorn , his family and musical partners. We had the pleasure to perform alongside and share time together with EST in 2007. Sweden and Music throughout has lost a great musical conquerer. We send our best to all who will miss him.'
I feel so sad from hearing the news that Esbjorn Svensson has left us physically. Esbjorn and his music will live on forever! Esborn was an innovator and a great pianist! He will be dearly missed. May he rest in peace! My heart goes out to his family.
Keep the Faith,
Alphonse Mouzon
Jazz Drummer/Composer
http://www.myspace.com/alphonsemouzon
For those interested - the book of condolences.
http://www.actmusic.com/esbjorn.php
John Scofield: 'I'm going out on stage in Vancouver tonight on what would have been a co-bill with EST and I know I won’t be able to say what I really feel. I don’t talk to audiences well in a personal way. I hope that everyone can understand that. My playing is my truest communication and nothing I can say will express how sorry I am that life can be unfair and inexplicable. If I could publicly say it in words, I'd say that I wish the reality of this situation wasn’t the truth. I wish that Esbjörn Svensson was here tonight. The day before his accident, Susan and I were talking about my Canadian gigs and we said that we thought that EST was an excellent co-bill with my trio. . . really a great pairing musically. I was so looking forward to hearing them tonight in Vancouver. Instead, I'm going to stand on the stage and tell the audience that It's only my group tonight. I wish that wasn't true.
I write here as a father and a husband and a musician - I am so very sorry that this injustice has been delivered. I lost one of my closest friends- Dennis Irwin- a few months ago and this kind of loss is fresh in my day to day. hope that the rest of us get the opportunity to live long and full lives. I was looking forward to the chance to maybe build something with Esbjörn - but all I can do now is remember and appreciate who he was and what he did.
Susan and I send our love and sorrow to his family and friends and bandmates and manager. We are very sad. Esbjörn leaves a musical legacy that we can all hold on to but I wish it wasn't like this.'
Arild Andersen: 'I was very shocked and sad hearing of the sudden death of Esbjörn.
He was such a great player. My condolence goes to his family and my thoughts also goes to Magnus Ostrom and Dan Berglund who contributed so much to the trio.'
Charlie Haden: 'It is with great sadness that we learned of Esbjorn's sudden and untimely death. He was a friend to my son, Josh, and a superb addition to the music world who will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his family and that they may gain strength and peace knowing that Esbjorn was loved and respected by many around the world.'
Pat Martino: 'The countless seeds planted by Esbjörn, not only as a musician, but also as a person have come to fruition as important parts within the evolution of our art. Along with many others, I too offer my condolence.'
Avishai Cohen Trio: 'It is with great sadness and loss to hear of this tragedy of Mr Esbjorn , his family and musical partners. We had the pleasure to perform alongside and share time together with EST in 2007. Sweden and Music throughout has lost a great musical conquerer. We send our best to all who will miss him.'
I feel so sad from hearing the news that Esbjorn Svensson has left us physically. Esbjorn and his music will live on forever! Esborn was an innovator and a great pianist! He will be dearly missed. May he rest in peace! My heart goes out to his family.
Keep the Faith,
Alphonse Mouzon
Jazz Drummer/Composer
http://www.myspace.com/alphonsemouzon
For those interested - the book of condolences.
http://www.actmusic.com/esbjorn.php
Posted on: 01 July 2008 by Steeve
Hey, I have just heard about Esbjorn Svensson for the very first time about an hour ago ; they were played on quite a good show called "Music for Grown ups" on BBC Radio Northampton of all places. I have to say I was very impressed and have placed an order for "Tuesday Wonderland" almost straight away.
Steeve
Steeve
Posted on: 01 July 2008 by Lontano
quote:Originally posted by Steeve:
Hey, I have just heard about Esbjorn Svensson for the very first time about an hour ago ; they were played on quite a good show called "Music for Grown ups" on BBC Radio Northampton of all places. I have to say I was very impressed and have placed an order for "Tuesday Wonderland" almost straight away.
Steeve
Steeve, good luck with this. I hope you find it a rewarding experience. Seven Days of Falling is another good one to check out as is Gagarins Point of View. In fact they are all good.
Happy listening.
Adrian